SABBATH SCHOOLIES
'
1949, REVIEW A91:11ERAVOILISk.c ASSN.
SIGNS OF THE
TIMES
SENIOR DIVISION, NO. 263, FIRST QUARTER, 1961,i
THE BLESSING OF DAILY STUDY
"The beauty and riches of the word have a transforming influence on
mind and character."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 132.
"There is nothing more calculated to strengthen the intellect than the
study of the Scriptures. No other book is so potent to elevate the thoughts,
to give vigor to the faculties, as the broad, ennobling truths of the Bible.
If God's word were studied as it should be, men would have a breadth of
mind, a nobility of character, and a stability of purpose rarely seen in these
times."—Steps to Christ,
page go.
"The more you search the Scriptures with humble hearts, the greater will
be your interest. . . . Every day you should learn something new from the
Scriptures."—Testimonies, vol.
5, 43. 266.
My Daily Lesson Study Pledge
As one who greatly desires to improve his knowledge of the Scriptures, I
pledge myself to the careful and prayerful study of some portion of my
Sabbath school lesson each day of the week.
Name
LESSON TITLES FOR THE QUARTER
r. God's Warnings in the Past
2.
History's Coming Climax
3.
Signs Promised by Christ—
In the Heavens
4.
Signs Promised by Christ—
In the Earth
5.
Signs in Social Life
6.
The Spread of Spiritism
7.
Counterfeit Signs
8.
The Last Great Sign
9.
How Near Is the End?
o. The Church and Fulfilling Signs
r. Preparation for His Coming
12. The New World Order
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly, No. 263, January-March, 1961. 20 cents a single copy, 75 cents
a year (four issues) ; no additional charge to countries requiring extra postage. Published in the
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When a change of address is desired, please be sure to send both old and new addresses.
Copyright, 1960, by Pacific Press Publishing Association
Printed in U.S.A.
Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
Lesson 1, for January 7, 1961
God's Warnings in the Past
MEMORY VERSE:
"Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but He revealeth His secret
unto His servants the prophets." Amos 3:7.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," chapter 38; A. S. Maxwell, "Your Bible and
You," pages 401-413; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Scrip-
ture references; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Dictionary;" Lesson Help in
"Review and Herald" of December 22, 1960.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
❑
Monday: Questions 5-7; begin read-
ing from Study Helps.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 8-12.
❑
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 13, 14; read
further from Study Helps.
❑
Thursday: Finish reading Study Helps.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
Lesson Outline
Introduction
I. God and the Future
1.
His omniscience. Isa. 45:21.
2.
His knowledge of secrets.
Dan. 2:22, 28.
II. God and the Nations
3.
His power over nations.
Isa. 40:15-17.
4.
His control of world affairs.
Dan. 4:17.
III. God's Hand in History
5.
His intervention at•the Flood.
Gen. 6:5-7.
6.
His retribution on Sodom and
Gomorrah. Gen. 19:24, 25.
7. His judgment on Babylon.
Dan. 5:30, 31.•
IV. God's Warnings of Yesterday
8. To Noah and the antediluvians.
Gen. 6:3, 13, 14; 7:1-4.
9. To Lot and the Sodomites.
Gen. 19:1, 12-17.
10. To the people of Nineveh.
Jonah 3:1-4.
11. To the kingdom of Babylon.
Dan. 2:38 (last part), 39.
12. To the inhabitants of Tyre.
Ezek. 26:1-5.
V. God's Admonition Now
13. Coming judgment upon the world.
2 Peter 3:10.
14. Divine counsel to us. Rev. 14:6, 7.
[ 3 ]
THE LESSON
they need have no fear of the so-called great
powers of the earth. Regardless of the plans
and purposes of men, God brings His own
will to pass."—The
Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Commentary,
on Isa. 40:15.
"With unerring accuracy the Infinite One
still keeps account with the nations. While
His mercy is tendered, with calls to repent-
ance, this account remains open; but when
the figures reach a certain amount which
God has fixed, the ministry of His wrath
begins. The account is closed. Divine pa-
tience ceases. Mercy no longer pleads in
their
behalf."—Prophets and Kings,
page
364.
Introduction
God is profoundly interested in this world
and all who live upon it. He had a benefi-
cent purpose in creating it, and the depth of
His concern for its inhabitants is evidenced
by His redeeming sacrifice on their behalf.
Consequently, His hand has ever been on
the helm of history, guiding, unseen, the
affairs of men. Again and again He has in-
tervened in judgment upon the wicked, but
never without due warning and promises of
deliverance for the repentant. In this, as
the final judgment approaches, the past
holds a vital lesson for today.
God and the Future
1.
In what language does Inspira-
tion declare the infinite knowledge of
God? Isa. 45:21.
2.
How far-reaching is God's
knowledge? Dan. 2:22, 28.
NOTE.—"He knoweth what is in the dark-
ness." That is, in those places that are dark
to human minds. He can see where we are
blind. His vision is unrestricted. Hence His
perfect knowledge of all matters that ap-
pear beclouded to us. Deut. 29:29. Even
the most "top secret" affairs, such as the
future of nations and of the world itself,
are fully known to Him.
God and the Nations
3.
As compared with the power of
God, how insignificant is ihe power of
the mightiest nations of earth? Isa.
40:15-17.
NoTE.—"In the days of Isaiah, Assyria
was the greatest nation of the earth, feared
by all others. But the Lord would have His
people know that this greatest nation was
as nothing before Him. When men fear God
4.
How thorough and complete is
God's control of world affairs? Dan.
4:17.
NOTE.—"In the affairs of nations God is
ever 'silently, patiently working out the
counsels of His own will' (Ed 173). At times,
as with the call of Abraham, He ordains a
series of events designed to demonstrate the
wisdom of His ways. Again, as in the ante-
diluvian world, He permits evil to run its
course and provide an example of the folly
of opposition to right principles. But even-
tually, as in the deliverance of the Hebrews
from Egypt, He intervenes lest the forces
of evil overcome His agencies for the sal-
vation of the world. Whether God ordains,
permits, or intervenes, 'the complicated play
of human events is under divine control' and
an 'overruling purpose has manifestly been
at work throughout the ages' (PK 536, 535;
see Ed 174; Rom. 13
:1)."—The Seventh-day
Adventist Bible Commentary,
on Dan. 4:17.
God's Hand in History
5.
What divine intervention became
necessary as a result of the wickedness
of the antediluvians? Gen. 6:5-7.
NOTE.—"The world was in its infancy;
yet iniquity had become so deep and wide-
spread that God could no longer bear with
it; and He said, 'I will destroy man whom
I have created from the face of the earth.'
[4
]
GOD HOLDS THE WORLD IN HIS HAND.
He declared that His Spirit should not al-
ways strive with the guilty race. If they did
not cease to pollute with their sins the world
and its rich treasures, He would blot them
from His creation, and would destroy the
things with which He had delighted to bless
them; He would sweep away the beasts of
the field, and the vegetation which furnished
such an abundant supply of food, and would
transform the fair earth into one vast scene
of desolation and
ruin."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 92.
The Bible gives several instances of divine
intervention in human affairs after the Fall,
of which this is the first. It would appear
that there are limits to God's forbearance
and that occasions arise from time to time
which cause Him to say, "Thus far and no
farther."
6.
What divine retribution fell
upon Sodom and Gomorrah? Gen.
19:24, 25.
7.
What sudden fate befell the king-
dom of Babylon? Dan. 5:30, 31.
God's Warnings of Yesterday
8.
How fully did God warn the an-
tediluvians of the approaching Flood?
Gen. 6:3, 13, 14; 7:1-4.
Norz.—"Amid the prevailing corruption,
Methuselah, Noah, and many others labored
to keep alive the knowledge of the true God
and to stay the tide of moral evil. A hun-
dred and twenty years before the Flood, the
Lord by a holy angel declared to Noah His
purpose, and directed him to build an ark.
While building the ark he was to preach that
God would bring a flood of water upon the
earth to destroy the wicked. Those who
would believe the message, and would pre-
pare for that event by repentance and refor-
mation, should find pardon and be saved.
Enoch had repeated to his children what
God had shown him in regard to the Flood,
and Methuselah and his sons, who lived to
hear the preaching of Noah, assisted in build-
ing the ark."
"Many at first appeared to receive the
warning; yet they did not turn to God with
true repentance. They were unwilling to
renounce their sins. During the time that
elapsed before the coming 'of the Flood, their
faith was tested, and they failed to endure
the trial. Overcome by the prevailing un-
belief, they finally joined their former as-
sociates in rejecting the solemn message.
Some were deeply convicted, and would
have heeded the words of warning; but there
were so many to jest and ridicule, that they
partook of the same spirit, resisted the in-
vitations of mercy, and were soon among
the boldest and most defiant scoffers; for
none are so reckless and go to such lengths
in sin as do those who have once had light,
but have resisted the convicting Spirit of
God."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
pages
92, 95.
9.
In what way were Sodom and
Gomorrah warned of impending
doom? Gen. 19:1, 12-17.
NorE.—"Abraham was not a stranger to
the people of Sodom, and his worship of the
unseen God had been a matter of ridicule
among them ; but his victory over greatly
superior forces, and his magnanimous dis-
position of the prisoners and spoil, excited
wonder and admiration. While his skill and
valor were extolled, none could avoid the
conviction that a divine power had made
him conqueror. And his noble and unselfish
spirit, so foreign to the self-seeking inhabi-
tants of Sodom, was another evidence of the
superiority of the religion which he had hon-
ored by his courage and fidelity.
[
5
]
"Melchizedek, in bestowing the benedic-
tion upon Abraham, had acknowledged Je-
hovah as the source of his strength and the
author of the victory: 'Blessed be Abram of
the most high God, possessor of heaven and
earth: and blessed be the most high God,
which hath delivered thine enemies into thy
hand.' Genesis 14:19, 20., God was speaking
to that people by His providence, but the
last ray of light was rejected as all before
had
been."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page
157.
10.
What message did God send to
the people of Nineveh? Jonah 3:1-4.
11.
What prediction did Daniel
make concerning the fate of Babylon?
Dan. 2:38 (last part), 39.
NoTE.—Daniel became the divine mouth-
piece to proclaim the solemn tidings of the
fate of Babylon to a succession of emperors.
From the day of his interpretation of Neb-
uchadnezzar's first dream to his translation
of the mystic symbols on the wall of Bel-
shazzar's palace, he witnessed consistently
that the nation's days were numbered.
Weighed in the balances of divine justice, he
said it had been found "wanting." Having
totally misused its unlimited opportunities
as a world power, it had become intolerable
to God and must in consequence give place
to another.
12.
What prophecy did the Lord
give Judah concerning Tyre? Ezek.
26:1-5.
NoTE.—"Tyre was a powerful commercial
city composed of Old Tyre, situated on the
mainland, and New Tyre, built on a rocky
island some 140 acres in area about a half
mile from the shore. . . . When Alexander
besieged New Tyre, he built a causeway
from the mainland to the island and used
the stones and rubble from Old Tyre as
material for it. . . . The site of ancient Tyre
is still used by fishermen for drying their
nets."—The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Commentary,
on Ezek. 26:2, 4, 5.
God's Admonition Now
13.
What fate is in store for our
world? 2 Peter 3:10.
NoTE.—"Fire comes down from God out
of heaven. The earth is broken up. The
weapons concealed in its depths are drawn
forth. Devouring flames burst from every
yawning chasm. The very rocks are on fire.
The day has come that shall burn as an oven.
The elements melt with fervent heat, the
earth also, and the works that are therein
are burned up. Malachi 4:1; 2 Peter 3:10.
The earth's surface seems one molten mass
—a vast, seething lake of fire. It is the time
of the judgment and perdition of ungodly
men—`the day of the Lord's vengeance, and
the year of recompenses for the controversy
of Zion.'
"—The Great Controversy,
pages
672, 673.
14.
What warning does God give
the present generation? Rev. 14:6, 7.
NOTE.—"It is God's purpose that the truth
for this time shall be made known to every
kindred and nation and tongue and people.
In the world today men and women are
absorbed in the search for worldly gain and
worldly pleasure. There are thousands upon
thousands who give no time or thought to
%the salvation of the soul. The time has come
when the message of Christ's soon coming is
to sound throughout the
world."—Testi-
monies,
vol. 9, p. 24.
By radio, television, printing press, per-
sonal evangelism, and many other means,
this last warning message is being proclaimed
to all mankind. The proclamation of this
message is the basic purpose of the great
second advent movement.
Questions for Meditation
1.
What do God's warnings mean to me
personally ?
2.
What indications are there in my life
that I am responding to God's saving mes-
sage today?
3.
Am I as zealous as I should be in mak-
ing known the final invitation of divine
mercy to my friends and neighbors?
f
6]
Lesson 2, for January 14, 1961
History's Coming Climax
MEMORY VERSE:
"For the Lord Himself shall descend from heaven with a shout,
with the voice of the Archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in
Christ shall rise first." 1 Thess. 4:16.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Desire of Ages," chapter 69; "Your Bible and You," pages 415-
429; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Scripture references;
"The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Dictionary;" Lesson Help in "Review and Her-
ald" of December 29, 1960.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check
Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
❑
Monday: Questions 5-8.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 9, 10; begin
reading Study Helps.
❑
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 11-14.
❑
Thursday: Finish reading Study
Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline
Introduction
I. God's Purpose and Plan
1.
For the earth in the beginning.
Gen. 1:31.
2.
For the earth in the future.
2 Peter 3:12, 13.
II. The Coming Climax-A Familiar
Truth
3.
Knowledge of the event from the be-
ginning. Acts 3:20, 21.
4.
Enoch's message concerning.
Jude 14.
III. Nebuchadnezzar's Dream
5.
The dream and its conclusion.
Dan. 2:31-35.
6.
The stone that fills the earth.
Dan. 2: 44, 45.
IV. Daniel's Vision
7.
Promise of victory.
Dan. 7:17, 18, 27.
8.
Christ's coming essential to fulfill-
ment. Matt. 25:31, 34.
V. Promises in the Book of Revelation
9.
The certainty of the end.
Rev. 10:5-7.
10.
Assurance of Christ's return.
Rev. 22:6, 7, 20.
VI. Climax of the Controversy
Between Good and Evil
11.
Time of trouble to precede.
Dan. 12:1.
12.
Righteous dead to be raised.
1 Thess. 4:16.
13.
Edenic happiness to be restored.
Rev. 21:4, 5.
14.
Invitation to partake of the "water
of life." Rev. 22:17.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"The doctrine of the second advent is the
very keynote of the Sacred Scriptures.
From the day when the first pair turned
their sorrowing steps from Eden, the chil-
dren of faith have waited the coming of
the Promised One to break the destroyer's
7
power and bring them again to the lost
Paradise. Holy men of old looked forward
to the advent of the Messiah in glory, as
the consummation of their hope."—The
Great Controversy,
page 299.
God's Purpose and Plan
1.
What was the condition of the
earth at the end of creation? Gen. 1:31.
NOTE.—"When the earth was created, it
was holy and beautiful. God pronounced it
very good. Every flower, every shrub, every
tree, answered the purpose of its Creator.
Everything upon which the eye rested was
lovely and filled the mind with thoughts of
the love of
God."—Testimonies, vol.
7, p. 87.
2.
What is God's plan for the earth
in the future? 2 Peter 3:12, 13.
NoTE.—This world, once perfect, from the
hand of God, has been terribly marred by
sin. We are instructed to look for a new
heaven and a new earth. The word "new"
used here, as also in Revelation 21:1, is
kainos,
meaning new "in point of quality,"
rather than
neos,
which would be new "in
point of time." See W. E. Vine,
Expository
Dictionary of New Testament Words,
pages
109, 110. Peter looked forward to a world
cleansed by fire and remade by God's cre-
ative power.
The Coming Climax—A Familiar
Truth
3.
For how long a time have men
known of history's coming climax?
Acts 3:20, 21.
NOTE.—"These words take in the many
unchanging promises exhibited in the proph-
ets that have brightened the hopes of the
people of God through the ages. . . . The
plan of salvation has been set since before
`the foundation of the world.' (Rev. 13:8)."
—The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Com-
mentary,
on Acts 3:21.
4.
What was Enoch's message?
Jude 14.
NoTE.—"One of the most solemn and yet
most glorious truths revealed in the Bible is
that of Christ's second coming to complete
the great work of redemption:. . . Enoch,
only the seventh in descent from them that
dwelt in Eden, he who for three centuries
on earth walked with his God, was per-
mitted to behold from afar the coming of
the Deliverer."—The
Great Controversy,
page 299.
Nebuchadnezzar's Dream
5.
What was the climax of Nebu-
chadnezzar's strange dream? Dan.
2:31-35.
NOTE. "Without hands.
This kingdom
has a superhuman origin. It is to be founded,
not by the ingenious hands of man, but by
the mighty hand of God."—The
Seventh-
day Adventist Bible Commentary,
on Dan.
2:45.
6.
What is represented by the stone
which broke the image in pieces? Dan.
2:44, 45.
NoTE.—According to the divinely inspired
explanation of Nebuchadnezzar's dream
given in Daniel 2:38-45, this vision was a
preview of the history of the world, tracing
its future through the development of four
world empires and ten divided kingdoms,
and finding its climax in the establishment
of the kingdom of God on earth. It should
stir us to realize that in the order of events
given in this dream we are in the very feet
and toes of history, awaiting the soon ap-
pearing of the stone cut out without hands.
Daniel's Vision
7.
What climax of earth's history
was foretold in the vision of Daniel?
Dan. 7:17, 18, 27.
[8
1
•
THERE IS NOTHING BEYOND OUR LITTLE
EXISTENCE WITHOUT CHRIST'S RETURN.
1.1-2
NoTE.—"All earthly kings and govern-
ments will pass away, but the kingdom of
the
Most High will endure .f orever. .,The
usurpation and misrule of the wicked may
last for a time, but soon it will be at an end.
Then this earth will, be restored to its right-.
ful Owner, who will share it with the saints.
Those who have long been destitute and
despised<by men will soon be honored and
exalted
by
God."—The
Seventh-day Advent-
ist Bible Commentary
)
on Dan. 7:18.
8. What must take place before'the
Saints
,
inherit the kingdom of God?
Mait. 25:31, 34:.
NOTE.—Man was originally given control
of this
-
World (Gen. 1:28), but lost his do-
Minion as a result of rebellion. It is God's
purpose to restore the kingdom of righteous-
ness in this world.
:
Promises in the Book of Revelation
.
9.
Wliat assurance is given that one
day-the "mystery of God" shall be fin-
ished? Rev. 10:5-7.
10. Among the last words of the
Bible,. what . reassuring promise is
given?' Rev:' 22:6, 7, 20.
NOTE.—"God
stands back of every. prom-
ise He has made. . . . The rainbow about
the, throne is an assurance that God is true;
that in Him is no variableness, neither
shadow of turning. . . . The honor of His
throne is staked for the fulfillment of His
word to
us."—Testimonies,
vol. 8, p. 23.
Climax of the Controversy
Between Good and Evil
11.. What is to take place on this
earth just prior to the second coming
of Christ? Dan. 12:1.
NoTE.—"The world has rejected His
mercy, despised His love, and trampled upon
His law. The wicked have passed the bound-
ary of their probation; the Spirit of God,
persistently resisted, has been at last with-
drawn. Unsheltered by divine grace, they
have no protection from the wicked one.
Satan will then plunge the inhabitants of the
earth into one great, final trouble. As the
angels of God cease to hold in check the
fierce winds of human passion, all the ele-
ments of strife will be let loose. The whole
world will be involved in ruin more terrible
than that which came upon Jerusalem of
old."—The Great Controversy,
page 614.
12.
What change do the righteous
dead experience at Christ's second com-
ing? 1 Thess. 4:16.
NoTE.—The Greek word here translated
"shout" is translated "a cry of command"
in the Revised Standard Version. "While it
occurs only here in the New Testament this
word is
common
to designate a loud military
command, a shout of a charioteer to his
horses, of a hunter to his hounds, of a ship-
master to the rowers. John 5:28: 'All that
are in the graves shall hear His voice,' namely
that of the Son of man. This is then the
Lord's 'command' to all the dead to arise."
—R. C. H. Lenski,
Interpretation of St.
Paul's Epistles,
pages 333, 334.
13.
When the promised restitution
of all things occurs, what condition
Will exist on the' earth? Rev. 21:4, 5.
NOTE.—What a wonderful home the dear
Lord is preparing for those who love Him!
And what a happy one! For He is going to
live with His people forever. With tenderest
touch He will "wipe away every tear from
their eyes," and nobody will ever be sad
again. There will be no more death. No
more sorrow. No more crying. No more
pain. Only purest happiness forever and
ever.
14. What gracious invitation to all
who will accept it climaxes the great
controversy? Rev. 22:17.
NOTE.—"The cry of Christ to the thirsty
soul is still going forth. . . . The fountain
is open for all. The weary and exhausted
ones are offered the refreshing draught of
eternal life. Jesus is still crying, . . . 'Who-
soever drinketh of the water that I shall give
him shall never thirst ; but the water that I
shall give him shall be in him a well of wa-
ter springing up into everlasting life.' John
4:14."—The Desire of Ages,
page 454.
Questions for Meditation
1.
How aware am I of the impending cli-
max of this world's history?
2.
How fully do I accept the invitation to
drink of the "water of life"?
Lesson 3, for January 21, 1961
Signs Promised by Christ—In the Heavens
MEMORY VERSE:
"Immediately after the tribulation of those days shall the sun be
darkened, and the moon shall not give her light, and the stars shall fall from
heaven, and the powers of the heavens shall be shaken." Matt. 24:29.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," chapter 17, first part; "Your Bible and
You," pages 437-446; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on
Scripture references; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Dictionary;" Lesson Help
in "Review and Herald" of January 5.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check
Here
Check
Here
Sabbath afternoon:
General survey.
❑
Wednesday:
Questions 11-13.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-5.
❑
Thursday: Finish reading
Monday: Questions 6-8.
❑
Study Helps.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 9, 10; begin
reading from Study Helps.
❑
Friday:
Review entire lesson.
0
Lesson Outline
Introduction
•
I. God's Use of Celestial Signs
in the Past
1. The sun used as a token to Joshua.
Joshua 10:12-14.
[1b
2.
The sun used as a token to Hezekiah.
2 Kings 20:8-11.
3.
Sign in heavens at time of Christ's
death. Matt. 27:45.
II. Christ's Prediction of Signs
in the Heavens
4.
"When shall these things be?"
Matt. 24:3.
5.
Powers of heaven to be shaken.
Luke 21:25, 26.
III. Three Outstanding Celestial Signs
6.
First sign in the sun. Matt. 24:29,
first part.
7.
Sign in the moon. Mark 13:24.
8.
Sign in the stars. Luke 21:25, first
part; Matt. 24:29.
IV. Counterfeit Signs
9.
False christs will also give signs.
Matt. 24:24; Rev. 13:13.
10.
Satan unable to counterfeit evidence
of Christ's coming. Matt. 24:27.
V. Christ's Appeal
11.
"Know that it is nigh." Mark 13:29.
12.
"Take heed to yourselves." •
Luke 21:34.
13.
"Watch therefore." Matt. 24:42.
THE LESSON
Introduction
The greatest event of all the ages, the
second coming of Christ, is soon to take
place. He wants us to know about this
wonderful event so that we may be ready
for it. Himself the greatest of the prophets,
He promised that the approach of His return
would be announced by undeniable signs in
that most noticeable of all signboards, the
heavens.
God's Use of Celestial Signs
in the Past
1.
What unusual token of the
power of Israel's God was given in
Joshua's time? Joshua 10:12-14.
Nora.—"In the ordinary course of events
the shadow on a sundial would gradually
advance with the forward motion of the
sun, but for it suddenly to retrogress would
be a most remarkable occurrence, and for
this reason Hezekiah chose this sign."=The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary,
on 2 Kings 20:10.
"Only by the direct interposition of God
could the shadow on the sundial be made
to turn back ten degrees • and this was to
be the sign to Hezekiah that the Lord had
heard his
prayer."—Prophets and Kings,
page 342.
3. At the crucifixion of Christ, what
visible change occurred in the sun?
Matt. 27:45.
goTt.—"The lengthening of the day not
only provided additional time for the total
destruction of the enemies of Israel but was
a signal demonstration of the power of
Israel's God. It showed that the very gods
whom the heathen worshiped were power-
less before the true God. They worshiped
the Canaanite god Baal and the goddess Ash-
toreth. Both the sun and the moon whom
they worshiped were shown to be subservi-
ent to Joshua's command, under the direc-
tion of Israel's God, Jehovah."—The
Sev-
enth-day Adventist Bible Commentary,
on
Joshua 10:12.
2. How was the sun used to bring a
message of courage to the ailing Heze-
kiah? 2 Kings 20:8-11.
NOTE.—"The sun refused to look upon the
awful scene. Its full, bright rays were il-
luminating the earth at midday, when sud-
denly it seemed to be blotted out. . . . There
was no eclipse or other natural cause for
this darkness, which was as deep as mid-
night without moon or stars. It was a mi-
raculous testimony given by God that the
faith of after generations might be con-
firmed."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 753.
Christ's Prediction of Signs in
the Heavens
4. What question did the disciples
ask Christ concerning the end of the
world? Matt. 24:3.
NOT OUTWARD SIGNS BUT A HEART
PREPARATION IS OUR PARAMOUNT NEED.
lent ; fowls went to roost; cattle sought the
barnyard ; and candles were, lighted in the
houses. The obscuration began about ten
o'clock in the, morning, and continued till
the middle of the next night."'LlNoali
Web-
ster's Dictionary, 1869 ed., quoted in
Source
Book,
page 133.
"May 19, 1780, stands in history as 'The
Dark Day.' Since the time of Moses no pe-
riod of darkness of equal density, extent, and
duration, has ever been recorded. The de-
scription of this event, as give by eyewit-
nesses, is but an echo of the words of
-
the
Lord, recorded by the prophet Joel, twenty-
" five hundred years previous to their fulfill-
ment."—The
Great Controversy,
page 308.
7. What did Jesus prophesy about
the moon as a sign of the coming of the
Son of man? Mark 13:24.
5.
How did Jesus speak of God's
use of the heavenly bodies as signs of
the end? Luke 21:25, 26.
NoTE.—"When the Lord said 'heaven,' in
giving the signs recorded by Matthew, Mark,
and Luke, He meant heaven, and when He
said 'earth' He meant earth. The powers of
heaven are the sun, moon, and stars. They
rule in the heavens. The powers of earth
are those that rule on the earth. The pow-
ers of heaven will be shaken at the voice of
God. Then the sun, moon, and stars will be
moved out of their places. They will not
pass away, but be shaken by the voice of
God."—Early
Writings,
page 41.
Three Outstanding Celestial Signs
6.
What sign in the sun did Jesus
mention as an omen of the end? Matt.
24:29, first part.
NoTE.—On May 19, 1780, over a large area
of the earth's surface, daylight turned sud-
denly to darkness, and during the night fol-
lowing the moon also was obscured. Noah
Webster described the strange phenomenon
thus; "In some places, persons could not see
to read common print in the open air for
several hours together. Birds sang their
evening songs, disappeared, and became si-
NoTE.—Following the dark day of May
19,,1780, came the supernatural obscurement
of the moon. " 'Nor was the darkness of the
night less uncommon *and terrifying, than
that of the day ; notwithstanding there was
almost a full moon, no object was discern-
ible but by the help.
-
of some' artificial• light,
which, when seen from, the neighboring
houses and other places at a distance, ap-
peared through a kind of Egyptian darkness
which seemed almost impervious'' to the
rays.'
"—The Great. Controversy,
-
page 308.
8. What further celestial sign did
Jesus give? Luke 21:25, first part;
Matt. 24:29.
Nork.—On Novernber 13, 1833, 'trie most
remarkable meteor shower of all tithe, took
place..Astronomer Flanimarion: compar
ed
the stars. falling that night ``
‘
at the mon
-
lent
of Maximum, to half the nuinber Of flakes
which we pereeiVe in the air during an ordi-
nary shOwer of
sno*."—LPopular AstrOnomy,
page 536, quoted in
SoUrce Book,
Pages 175,
176.
Agnes M. Clerke in the.
History of Astron-
omy in the Nineteenth Century,
page 328,
said: "On the night of November 12-13,
1833, a tempest of falling stars broke over
the earth."—/bid., p. 176.
,
and
impressive
prophecy `received a striking and
impressive fulfillment in the great meteoric
1 12
shower of November 13, 1833. That was the
most: extensive and wonderful display of fall-
ing stars which has ever been recorded; 'the
whole firmament, over all the United States,
being then,
for hours, in fiery commotion !
No celestial phenomenon has ever occurred
in this country, since its first settlement,
which was viewed with such intense admira-
tion by,one class in the community, or with
so much dread and ala'rm by another.'
"—
The Great Controversy,
page 333,
Counterfeit Signs
9. Christ warned that in the last
days imposters and false christs would
arise. What amazing sign from heaven
will then be performed to win the alle-
giance of the people? Matt. 24:24;
Rev. 13:13.
prophets, and shall show great signs and
wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible,
they shall deceive the very elect. . . . Where-
fore if they shall say unto you,. Behold, He
is in the desert; go not forth: behold, He is
in the secret chambers; believe it not. For
as the lightning cometh out of the east, and
shineth even unto the west; so shall also
the coming of the Son of man be.' . . . This
coming there is no possibility of counterfeit-
ing. It will be universally known—
,
witnessed
by the whole world."—The
Great Contro-
versy,
page 625.
Christ's Appeal
11. What are Christians to know,
when they see the predicted signs com-
ing to pass? Mark 13:29.
NOTE.—"The bringing down of fire from
heaven may be an attempt to counterfeit
the miracle on Mt.' Carmel '(1- Kings 18:17- J
39). As the ancient sign gave evidence of the
power of the. true God, so the beast, will
make it appear that God is supportin his
program."—The
Seventh-day Adventist Bi-
ble Commentary,
on Rev. 13:13.
10. What unmistakable evidence of
Christ's second coming will Satan be
unable to counterfeit? Matt. 24:27.
NOTE.—"Must
we
see things foretold
come to pass before we will believe what
He has said? In clear, distinct rays light
has come to us, showing us that the great
day of the Lord is near at hand, 'even at the
doors.' Let us read and understand before it
is
'too
late."—Testimonies,
vol. 9, p. 20.
12. In what words did Jesus warn
His followers against certain fatal
weaknesses that might overtake them
during the waiting period preceding
His coming? Luke 21:34.
NOTE.—"He [Christ] will not be hidden
away in the wilderness nor in some guarded
and secret inner room in a building. His corn-'
ing and His presence will be like a flash of
lightning which illuminates the sky from the
east or sunrise to the west or sunset.. . .
Sham christs have always been poor shams.
The glory of the real Christ is beyond imita-
tion."—R. C. H. Lenski,
Interpretation of
St. Matthew's Gospel,
page 945.
"The people of God will not be misled.
The teachings of this false christ are not in
accordance with the Scriptures.. . .
"And, furthermore, Satan is not permitted
to counterfeit the manner of Christ's advent.
The Saviour has warned His people against
deception upon this point, and has dearly
foretold the manner of His second coming.
`There shall arise false christs, and false
NOTE.—"We have reached the period fore-
told in these scriptures. The time of the end
is come, the visions of the prophets are un-:
sealed, and their solemn warnings point us
to our Lord's coming in glory as near at
hand. The Jews misinterpreted and mis-
applied the word of God, and they knew not
the time of their visitation. . . . While we
are not to know the hour of our Lord's re-
turn, we may know when it is near."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 235.
13. In what one word did Jesus
stress the necessity of constant prepar-
edness for His return? Matt. 24:42.
Compare Mark 13:35, 36.
[13
3
NOTE.—"Jesus has left us word: 'Watch
ye therefore: for ye know not when the Mas-
ter of the house cometh, at even, or at mid-
night, or at the cockcrowing, or in the
morning: lest coming suddenly He find you
sleeping. And what I say unto you, I say
unto all, Watch.' [Mark 13:35-37.1 We are
waiting and watching for the return of the
Master, who is to bring the morning, lest
coming suddenly He find us sleeping. What
time is here referred to? Not to the revela-
tion of Christ in the clouds of heaven to find
a people asleep. No; but to His return from
His ministration in the most holy place of
the heavenly sanctuary, when He lays off
'His priestly attire and clothes Himself with
garments of vengeance, and when the man-
date goes forth: 'He that is unjust, let
him be unjust still: and he which is filthy,
let him be filthy still: and he that is right-
eous, let him be righteous still: and he that
is holy, let him be holy still.' When Jesus
ceases to plead for man, the cases of all are
forever
decided."—Testimonies, vol.
2, pp.
190, 191.
Questions for Meditation
1.
Do I fully understand the relation be-
tween Christian conduct and the knowledge
that the coming of the day of our Lord is
near?
2.
Am I making preparation for His re-
turn the most important work of my life?
3.
Am I prepared to detect false signs
when they shall appear?
Lesson 4, for January 28, 1961
Signs Promised by Christ—In the Earth
MEMORY VERSE:
"Wherefore, beloved, seeing that ye look for such things, be dili-
gent that ye may be found of Him in peace, without spot, and blameless."
2 Peter 3:14.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," chapter 17, second half; "The Seventh-day
Adventist Bible Commentary," on Scripture references; "The Seventh-day Ad-
ventist Bible Dictionary;" Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of January 12.
See also "The Desire of Ages," pages 628-633.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
❑
Monday: Questions 5-7.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 8-10.
❑
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 11-13.
❑
Thursday:
Read Study Helps.
❑
Friday:
Review entire lesson.
❑
Lesson Outline
Introduction
I. A World in Apprehension
1.
Earthquake under the sixth seal.
Rev. 6:12, first part.
2.
Universal fear. Luke 21:25 (second
part), 26.
3.
Awakening of the nations, a sign.
Joel 3:9-14.
4.
Weak nations specifically included.
Joel 3:10.
II. A World of Discord
5.
Angry nations. Rev. 11:18.
6.
Class antagonism. James 5:1-6.
7.
Earth cries out for new creation.
Rom. 8:22.
[ 14 ]
Ill. A World in Spiritual Poverty
8.
A faithless world. Luke 18:8.
9.
A world of scoffers. 2 Peter 3:3, 4.
10.
A world intolerant of truth.
2 Tim. 4:3, 4.
IV. A Church Waiting for Her Lord
11. Aware that His coming is near.
•
Matt. 24:33.
12.
Preparing for the day of God.
2 Peter 3:11, 12.
13.
Purified by the blessed hope.
1 John 3:3.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"Everything in the world is in agitation.
The signs of the times are ominous. Coming
events cast their shadows before. The Spirit
of God is withdrawing from the earth, and
calamity follows calamity by sea and by
land. There are tempests, earthquakes, fires,
floods, murders of every grade. Who can
read the future? Where is security? There
is assurance in nothing that is human or
earthly. Rapidly are men ranging them-
selves under the banner they have chosen.
Restlessly are they waiting and watching
the movements of their leaders. There are
those who are waiting and watching and
working for our Lord's appearing. Another
class are falling into line under the general-
ship of the first great apostate. Few believe
with heart and soul that we have a hell to
shun and a heaven to win. . . .
"Solemnly there come to us down through
the centuries the warning words of our
Lord from the Mount of Olives: ... 'Watch
ye therefore, and pray always.'
"—The De-
sire of Ages,
page 636.
A World in Apprehension
1. What divine intervention as
given in the prophecy of the sixth seal
was to be a warning of the time of the
end? Rev. 6:12, first part.
NC)TE.—"The events of the sixth seal re-
veal the disjointing of the physical universe.
The prophet Joel had already used the figure
of an earthquake to describe the upheaval
of nature in the day of the Lord (Joel 2:10;
cf. Isa. 13 :9-11 ; Amos 8 : 9)
."—The Seventh-
day Adventist Bible Commentary,
on Rev.
6:12.
"The great earthquake of [November 11
1755 extended over a trace of at least four
millions of square miles. . . . It pervaded
the greater portions of the continents of Eu-
rope, Africa, and America; but its extreme
violence was exercised on .the southwestern
part of the former." "In Africa, this earth-
quake was felt almost as severely as it had
been in Europe. . . . It is probable . . .
that all Africa was shaken. . . . At the
north, it extended to Norway and Sweden;
Germany, Holland, France, Great Britain,
and Ireland were all more or less agitated
by the same great and terrible commotion
of the elements."—Robert Sears,
Wonders
of the World,
pages 50, 58.
2.
What would multiplied signs of
coming judgment produce in men's
hearts? Luke 21:25 (second part), 26.
NoTE.—"Distress" comes from a Greek
word used in the New Testament only here
and in 2 Corinthians 2:4, meaning "an-
guish." The Revised Standard Version has
"Distress of nations in perplexity." Robert-
son says that "in perplexity" is the "state of
one . . . who has lost his
way ."—W ord
Pictures,
vol. 2, p. 260.
3.
What is predicted concerning the
slumbering nations of earth? Joel 3:
9-14.
NOTE.—"Adventist expositors have gener-
ally seen in this prophecy a forecast, not
only of climactic events associated with the
great day of the Lord, but also of interna-
tional military activities in the final days of
earth's history."—The
Seventh-day Advent-
ist Bible Commentary,
on Joel 3:9.
One of the phenomena of our times is the
awakening of nations that have slept for
16
1
centuries. From Korea to India, from Ghaii.
to Vietnam, from Indonesia to Egypt, from
Pakistan to Algeria, vast areas are in fer-
ment.
4.
What unexpected claim will
weak nations make? Joel 3:10.
NoTE.—Perhaps the most remarkable as-
pect of the awakening of the nations is that
even the smallest and weakest countries are
demanding—and getting—equal rights with
the great powers at the world's council
tables.
A World of Discord
5.
What leads to the outpouring of
God's wrath? Rev. 11:18. Compare
Ps. 2:1.
NoTE.—"Nations were angry. . . .
Such
will be the condition of the nations prior to
the coming of Christ. They will band to-
gether to oppose the work and people of
Christ.
.
"Wrath.
The wrath of God is summed up
in the seven last plagues (ch. 15:1). The
work of opposition against Christ is brought
to a halt by these plagues."—The
Seventh-
day Adventist Bible Commentary,
on Rev.
11:18.
6.
What picture of antagonism be-
tween rich and poor in the last days is
given by the apostle James? James
5:1-6.
NoTE.—Oppression of the poor and self-
ishness among the rich have existed in every
age. The psalmist fretted enviously at "the
prosperity of the wicked." Ps. 73:2, 3. In
the disciples' day some rich persons "de-
spised the poor," oppressed them, and haled
them "before the judgment seats." James
2:6. These conditions will exist until "the
coming of the Lord." James 5:7. "Corning"
is from the Greek word
parousia,
signifying
the personal coming of Christ. He alone can
solve the world's mounting problems of in-
equity, oppression, selfishness, hatred.
7.
What is the condition of the
earth?
R0111.
8:22. Compare Ps. 102:
25, 26.
NoTE.—When we consider the weather—
typhoons, tornadoes, hurricanes, blizzards,
dust storms, flash floods, cold waves, heat
waves, dry spells, wet spells; when we con-
sider the atmosphere—damp, heavy fog and
hot, dry winds; when. we
•
think of insects
and fungi and bacteria and weeds and ero-
sion, there is no doubt that the earth is "wax-
ing old" and is ready for the transformation
God has promised.
A
-
World in Spiritual Poverty
8.
How did Jesus associate His com-
ing with a lack of faith on the earth?
Luke 18:8.
NoTE.—Jesus had been teaching that
God would "avenge His own elect" (verses
7, 8), and now.He connects His second corn-
ing with that event. These two events are
associated in Matthew 16:27, in Revelation
22:12, and
'elsewhere.
"This doctrine [that all the world will. be
converted] . . . does not, harmonize with
the teachings of Christ and His apostles.
Jesus asked the significant question, 'When
the Son of man cometh, shall He find faith
on the earth?' Luke 18:8. And, as we have
seen, He declares that the state of the world
will be at in the days
of.Noah."-Patriarehs
and Prophets,
page 103.
9.
What will scoffers in the last days
say about the coming of Christ? 2
Pe-
ter
3:3, 4.
NoTE.—This scoffing occurs whenever the
second coming is preached. It was the atti-
tude of many in the early days of the advent
message. See
The Great Controversy,
page
370. It will be increasingly so as the end
approaches.
"He [Peter] is not here making specific
statements regarding the time of Christ's
coming, but is bent on preparing his flock
for 'the last days' whenever those days may
t
16 ]
appear."—The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Commentary,
on 2 Peter 3:3.
"The attention of the people should be
called to the momentous event which is so
near at hand. The signs of the times should
be kept fresh before their minds. . . . When
these things are dwelt upon as they, should
be, scoffers will be developed who walk after
their own
lusts."—Testimonies, vol.
5, pp.
9, 10.
10.
What did Paul predict regard-
ing intolerance to sound doctrine at
some future time? 2 Tim. 4:3, 4.
NoTE.—"The apostle was undoubtedly
thinking of the great apostasy that was soon
to develop in the church, and which would
continue to imperil it until the second advent
of Christ."—The
Seventh-day Adventist Bi-
ble Commentary,
on 2 Tim. 4:3.
"The ministers of Christ today are in the
same danger. Satan is constantly at work to
divert the mind into wrong channels, so that
the truth may lose its force upon the heart."
—Gospel Workers,
page 312.
A Church Waiting for Her Lord
11.
How may the believer tell when
the end is near? Matt. 24:33.
NoTE.—The twenty-fourth chapter of
Matthew contains warnings of Jerusalem's
destruction, as well as of the end of the
world. The Lord would have us differentiate
between these signs, as the language of Mat-
thew 24:27-33 indicates. We are to "see all
these things," "know that it is near," and be
ready for our Lord to come.' Matt. 24:42.
"Jesus declares: 'There shall be signs in
the sun, and in the moon, and in the stars;
and upon the earth distress of nations.' Luke
21:25.. . . Those who behold these har-
bingers of His coming are to 'know that it
is near, even at the doors.' Matt. 24:33.
`Watch ye therefore,' are His words of ad-
monition. Mark 13:35. They that heed the
warning- shall not be left in darkness, that
that day should overtake them unawares.
But to them that will not watch, 'the day
of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night.'
1 Thess.
5:2-5."—The Great Controversy,
pages 37, 38.
IS HUMAN TY READY FOR THE LAST.VOLUME
OF WAR—THE NUCLEAR CONFLICT?
12.
What is the relation between
Christian conduct and the knowledge
that the coming of the day of God is
near? 2 Peter 3:11, 12.
NoTE.—"Many . . . professed Christians
dress, talk, • and act like the world, and the
only thing by which they may be known is
their profession. Though they profess to be
looking for Christ, their conversation is not
in heaven, but on worldly things. 'What
manner of persons' ought those to be 'in all
holy conversation and godliness,' who profess
to be 'looking for and hasting unto the com-
ing of the day of God.' 2 Peter 3
:11."—Early
Writings,
page 108.
13.
What will the blessed hope do
for a man? 1 John 3:3.
NOTE
.—"Purifieth.
. . .
'To cleanse from
defilement,' to purify.' The word is applied
to both ceremonial and moral cleansing
(John 11:55; Acts 21:24, 26; 24:18; James
4:8; 1 Peter 1:22). Sinful man cannot
cleanse himself; he is sold under sin and ut-
terly dependent upon the Saviour for purity
(Jer. 17:9; John 3:3; 15:4, 5; Rom. 8:7).
Nevertheless, there is some work that man,
with divine aid, must do for himself. . . .
This work demands diligent watching and
prayer (Eph. 6:13-18; Col. 4:2 ; Rev. 3:3)."
—The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Com-
mentary,
on 1 John 3:3.
17
Questions for Meditation
1. Am I trusting in man, or in God, for
2. Do I genuinely desire the outcome of
a solution of present world problems?
history as revealed in the Bible?
Lesson 5, for February 4, 1961
Signs in Social Life
MEMORY VERSE.
"As it was in the days of Noah, so shall it be also in the days of
the Son of man." Luke 17:26.
STUDY HELPS:
"Patriarchs and Prophets," chapter 7, and first half of chapter
14;
"The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Scripture references; "The
Seventh-day Adventist Bible Dictionary;" Lesson Help in "Review and Herald"
of January 19.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
Monday: Questions 4-8.
Tuesday: Questions 9-11.
Check
Here
Wednesday: Questions 12-14; begin
reading from Study Helps.
❑
Thursday: Read from Study Helps.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
Lesson Outline
Introduction
I. Ancient Social Conditions
1.
Last days likened to days of Noah
and Lot. Luke 17:26, 28.
2.
Conditions in Noah's day.
Gen. 6:2, 5, 11.
3.
Conditions in Lot's day.
Ezek. 16:49, 50; 2 Peter 2:7.
II. Modern Social Conditions
4.
Perilous times. 2 Tim. 3:1.
5.
Children disobedient to parents.
2 Tim. 3:2.
6.
Lovers of pleasure. 2 Tim. 3:4,
last part.
7.
Having a form of godliness.
2 Tim. 3:5.
8. Growing worse and worse.
2 Tim. 3:13.
III. Wickedness Brings Destruction
9. Ancient world destroyed by Flood.
Gen. 6:3, 7; 7:11, 21, 22.
10. Sodom and Gomorrah destroyed by
fire. Gen. 19:24, 25.
11. Present world to be burned up.
2 Peter 3:5-7, 10.
IV. Men Urged to Repent
12. Noah and Lot preached repentance.
2 Peter 2: 5, 7.
13. Some righteous persons proclaim
God's message now. Rev. 14:6.
14. Final appeal. 2 Peter 3:11, 12;
Rev. 18:4.
18
THE LESSON
Introduction
Mercy before destruction.
"Before the
Flood, God sent Noah to warn the world,
that the people might be led to repentance,
and thus escape the threatened destruction.
As the time of Christ's second appearing
draws near, the Lord sends His servants
with a warning to the world to prepare for
that great event. Multitudes have been liv-
ing in transgression of God's law, and now
He in mercy calls them to obey its sacred
precepts. All who will put away their sins
by repentance toward God and faith in
Christ are offered
pardon."—Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 102.
Ancient Social Conditions
1.
To what earlier periods of his-
tory did Christ liken the last days?
Luke 17:26, 28.
2.
What were the social and spirit-
ual conditions in Noah's day? Gen.
6:2, 5, 11.
NoTE.—Before the Flood, "men chose to
follow their own sinful desires; and as the
result, crime and wretchedness rapidly in-
creased. Neither the marriage relation nor
the rights of property were respected. Who-
ever coveted the wives or the possessions
of his neighbor, took them by force, and
men exulted in their deeds of violence."—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 92.
"How was it in Noah's day? 'God saw
that the wickedness of man was great in
the earth, and that every imagination of the
thoughts of his heart was only evil con-
' tinually.' Gen. 6:5. The inhabitants of the
antediluvian world turned from Jehovah,
refusing to do His holy will. They followed
their own unholy imagination and perverted
ideas. It was because of their wickedness
that they were destroyed; and today the
world is following the same way. It, pre-
sents no flattering signs of millennial glory.
The transgressors of God's law are filling the
earth with wickedness. Their betting, their
horse racing, their gambling, their dissipa-
tion, their lustful practices, their untamable
passions, are fast filling the world with vio-
lence."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 633.
3.
What were the social and spirit-
ual conditions in Sodom and Gomor-
rah? Ezek. 16:49, 50; 2 Peter 2:7.
NoTE.—"In Sodom there was mirth and
revelry, feasting and drunkenness. The vil-
est and most brutal passions were unre-
strained. The people openly defied God and
His law and delighted in deeds of violence.
Though they had before them the example
of the antediluvian world, and knew how
the wrath of God had been manifested in
their destruction, yet they followed the same
course of wickedness."—Patriarchs
and
Prophets,
page 157.
Modern Social Conditions
4.
What similar conditions did Paul
predict for the last days? 2 Tim. 3:1.
NOTE.—We are living in perilous times,
indeed. In recent years millions have been
tortured and killed in concentration camps.
The FBI
Uniform Crime Reports
reveals
that a violent crime—murder, manslaughter,
rape, assault with intent to kill—is com-
mitted every four minutes in the U.S.A.
Nearly forty persons are murdered every
day. As violence filled the antediluvian
world, so it fills our world today.
5.
What will be the attitude of
young people? 2 Tim.
3:2.
NoTE.—Juvenile delinquency begins with
disobedience to parents. Again referring to
the FBI
Uniform Crime Reports,
more than
a quarter of a million youth under 18 were
arrested in 1958. Juvenile delinquency is a.
world-wide problem—England has its.
"Teddy boys" and
Japan.
its street gangs..
C
19]
6.
What would be the consuming
interest of people living in the last
days? 2 Tim. 3:4, last part.
7.
What general attitude toward re-
ligion is predicted? 2 Tim. 3:5.
8.
In what words did the apostle
Paul indicate that conditions will not
improve as we near the end of time?
2 Tim. 3:13.
NoTE.—In one short sentence Paul de-
stroys the theory of a temporal millennium
before Christ comes. And sin is certainly
waxing "worse and worse." Take, for in-
stance, the one evil of alcoholism—the
amount spent for alcoholic beverages in the
United States in one year is more than the
combined total of money paid for all books,
magazines, and newspapers and contributed
to all religious bodies and welfare activities.
See Roger Burgess,
Drinking Problems.
"The real cost of alcoholism cannot be
measured because no one can put a price
tag on a broken home, a brilliant career
down the drain, a human life that turns into
a nightmare of hangovers, blackouts, broken
promises, and uncontrollable cravings.
"But a minor part of the cost can be esti-
mated. Wage losses attributed to alcoholism
amount to $432 million a year. When you
add in higher crime and accident rates, law
enforcement and medical expenses, authori-
ties consider one billion dollars a year a
conservative figure for the direct countable
cost of alcoholism."—Louis Cassels,
Post &
Herald,
Washington, D.C., July 19, 1957.
Wickedness Brings Destruction
9.
When the antediluvians had
filled their cup of iniquity, what did
God do? Gen. 6:3, 7; 7:11, 21, 22.
NoTE.—"From the highest peaks men
looked abroad upon a: shoreless ocean. The
solemn warnings of God's servant no. longer
THE GREAT ISSUE: NOT, HOW SOON WILL CHRIST
loel-s
COME, BUT, HOW MANY WILL BE READY?
seemed a subject for ridicule and scorning.
How those doomed sinners longed for the
opportunities which they had slighted ! How
they pleaded for one hour's probation, one
more privilege of mercy, one call from the
lips of Noah ! But the sweet voice of mercy
was no more to be heard by them. . . . The
avenging waters swept over the last retreat,
and the despisers of God perished in the
black
depths."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
pages 100, 101.
10.
What befell Sodom and Gomor-
rah? Gen. 19:24, 25.
NOTE.—"The fair vale of Siddim became
a desolation, a place never to be built up or
inhabited—a witness to all generations of
the certainty of God's judgments upon trans-
gression."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page
162.
11.
What is predicted regarding the
end of the present world? 2 Peter 3:5-
7, 10.
NOTE.—"When the reasoning of philoso-
phy has banished the fear of God's judg-
ments; when religious teachers are pointing
forward to long ages of peace and prosperity,
and the world are absorbed in their rounds
of business and pleasure, planting and build-
ing, feasting and merrymaking, rejecting
1
20 ]
God's warnings and mocking His messen-
gers—then it is that sudden destruction
cometh upon them, and they shall not
escape."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 104.
Men Urged to Repent
12.
Through whom were messages
of repentance sent to Sodom and the
antediluvian world? 2 Peter 2:5, 7.
13.
What message will be sent to
the world in the last days? Rev. 14:6.
14.
In! view of the impending de-
struction, what appeal does God make?
2 Peter 3:11, 12; Rev. 18:4.
Questions for Meditation
1.
If I had been living in Noah's day
would I have accepted his invitation to enter
the ark?
2.
Does my social life in any way re-
semble Paul's description of the last days,
or is it an evidence of God's sanctifying
power?
3.
Am I determined that, come what may,
my influence shall always be on the side of
right?
Lesson 6, for February 11, 1961
The Spread of Spiritism
MEMORY VERSE:
"And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come -out.of the mouth
of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the
false prophet. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go
forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the
battle of that great day of God Almighty." Revo 16:13,14.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," chapters 31-34, 36; "The Seventh-day Ad-
ventist Bible Commentary," on Scripture references; "The Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Dictionary;" Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of January 26.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions
1
-
3;
begin read-
ing from Study Helps.
❑
Monday:
Questions 4-6; read further
from Study Helps.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 7, 8; read
Check
Here
further from Study Helps.
❑
Wednesday: Questions 9-11; read
further from Study Helps.
❑
Thursday: Finish reading Study
Helps.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
Lesson Outline
Introduction
I. Deceptive Spirit Miracles in
Bible Times
1. The first spirit miracle designed to
deceive men. Gen. 2:16, 17; 3:1-6.
2.
Spirit miracles in Egypt. Ex. 7:12.
3.
Spiritism at Endor used to ensnare
Saul. 1 Sam. 28:7, 15-19.
II. Spirit Miracles in Modern Times
4.
Recent developments in spirit-
miracle activity.
[21
7
III. Last-Day Spiritism Foretold
IV. The Christian's Only Safety
5.
Three froglike spirits seen.
Rev. 16:13, 14.
6.
The means employed. Rev. 16:14.
7.
The supreme deceptive miracle.
2 Thess. 2:8-12.
8.
The goal of spirit manifestations.
Rev. 16:14; 13:13-15.
9.
Genuine love for God a safeguard.
Matt. 24:24.
10.
God's word alone the criterion for
truth. John 17:17; Isa. 8:19, 20.
11.
Thorough gospel preparation
needed. Eph. 6:11, 12.
THE LESSON
NOTE.—"Satan
has long been preparing for
his final effort to deceive the world. The
foundation of his work was laid by the as-
surance given to Eve in Eden, 'Ye shall not
surely die.' . . . Little by little he has pre-
pared the way for his masterpiece of decep-
tion in the development of Spiritualism."—
The Great Controversy,
page 561.
2.
How did Egyptian magicians en-
deavor to nullify the command of God
by their spirit miracles? Ex. 7:12.
Compare Ex. 7:1-13.
Introduction
Ever since the beginning of time, evil
spirits have associated miracles with false
doctrines in order to deceive men. In the
closing years of time, when Satan is angry
because his time is short (Rev. 12:12), there
is to be a marked increase in such spirit-
miracle activity. As this swelling tide of
evil spiritism coincides with the outpouring
of the Holy Spirit, humanity will be brought
to its final hour of decision.
In the prophetic symbolism of Revelation
16:13, 14, the "beast" is Catholicism, and
the "dragon," primarily Satan and also pagan
Rome, is paganism. The "false prophet" is
to be identified with the latter phase of the
lamblike beast of Revelation 13. Compare
Rev. 13:13-15 with Rev. 19:20.
Paganism has always been concerned with
the worship of evil spirits, while Catholicism
places large emphasis on reverence for de-
ceased persons considered to be still living,
such as the mother of Jesus, and the
"saints." This prophecy foretells a time when
similar regard for spiritism will pervade the
Protestant church as well, and will then, in
an intensified form, move outward from all
three of these large religious forces to draw
the whole world into perdition.
Amazing recent developments in spiritism
(communion with evil spirits—purported
communion with the dead) and in spirit-
assisted miracles of healing, especially in
Protestant lands, give evidence that these
prophecies are.about to be fulfilled. These
developments constitute a sign of the times.
Deceptive Spirit Miracles in
Bible Times
1.
What means were used by the
prince of evil spirits to lead men into
disobedience? Gen. 2:16, 17; 3:1-6.
NOTE.—"The magicians did not really
cause their rods to become serpents; but by
magic, aided by the great deceiver, they
were able to produce this appearance. It was
beyond the power of Satan to change the
rods to living serpents. . . . To human
sight the rods were changed to serpents.
Such they were believed to be by Pharaoh
and his court. There was nothing in their
appearance to distinguish them from the
serpent produced by Moses. . . .
"Pharaoh desired to justify his stubborn-
ness in resisting the divine command, and
hence he was seeking some pretext for dis-
regarding the miracles that God had wrought
through Moses. Satan gave him just what
he
wanted."—Patriarchs and Prophets,
page
264.
3.
When Saul had transgressed so
far that he felt God had forsaken him,
to whom did he turn for counsel? with
what result? 1 Sam. 28:7, 15-19.
NOTE.—"It
is distinctly stated that Saul
inquired of the familiar spirit, not of the
Lord. He did not communicate with Sam-
[22]
MEN TURN FROM THE TRUTH TO BELIEVE A UE.
uel, the prophet of God; but, through the
sorceress he held intercourse with Satan."—
Patriarchs and Prophets,
page_683.
Spirit Miracles in Modern Times
4. What evidence is there of in-
creased spirit activities today?
ANSWER:
The modern form of spiritism
(purported communion with the dead)
arose in the form of mysterious rappings in
the home of John D. Fox, Hydesville, New
York, March, 1848. By 1918 the famous
English spiritualist Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
could say, "The lowly manifestations of
Hydesville have ripened into results which
have engaged the finest group of intellects
in this country during the last twenty years,
and which are destined, in my opinion, to
bring about far the greatest development of
human experience which the world has ever
seen."—Quoted in Uriah Smith,
Daniel and
the Revelation,
1944 ed., pp. 587, 588.
Recent developments include the follow-
ing: In Britain, (a) the Church of England
has been urged by one of its official commit-
tees to adopt spiritism in the interest of
world-wide church unity;
(b)
healers are
plainly stating that their thousands of mar-
velous cures are due to assistance from the
spirit world;
(c)
spiritist "evangelistic"
meetings are being held in the largest halls;
(d)
.
The London Atherius Society, now
spread to many lands, has recorded spirit
messages predicting that a "great master"
will soon come to save the world from
atomic destruction. The British Broadcast-
ing Corporation has broadcast some of these
recordings.
In France, "in religious circles there is
keen interest in parapsychology [telepathy,
clairvoyance, etc.] and Spiritualism. The
Catholic Church is wondering how it can,
without endangering itself, use them to
strengthen its own teaching of a spirit life
after death."—Andre Dumas, in
The Na-
tional Spiritualist,
vol. 35, No. 347, p. 7,
quoted in
The Ministry,
September, 1958,
page 13.
Last-Day Spiritism Foretold
5.
What sinister spirit forms will
be at work in the last days? Rev. 16:
13, 14.
NoTE.—"The 'three unclean spirits' ap-
parently either symbolize or represent this
evil trio of religious powers [paganism, the
papacy, and apostate Protestantism], which
together constitute latter-day 'great Baby-
lon.'
"—The Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Commentary,
on Rev. 16:13.
"Fearful sights of a supernatural charac-
ter will soon be revealed in the heavens, in
token of the power of miracle-working de-
mons. The spirits of devils will go forth
to the kings of the earth and to the whole
world, to fasten them in deception, and urge
them on to unite with Satan in his last
struggle against the government of heaven.
By these agencies, rulers and subjects will be
alike deceived. Persons will arise pretending
to be Christ Himself, and claiming the title
and worship which belong to the world's
Redeemer. They will perform wonderful
miracles of healing and will profess to' have
revelations from heaven contradicting the
testimony of the Scriptures."—The
Great
Controversy,
page 624.
6.
What means will the three spirits
use in their work? Rev. 16:14. Com-
pare Rev. 13:14; 19:20.
7.
What deceptive miracles will be
employed by evil spirits? 2 Thess. 2:8-
12. Compare Matt. 24:24.
[ 23 I
NOTE.—"Modern Spiritualism, resting
upon the same foundation [as ancient idola-
try], is but a revival in a new form of the
witchcraft and demon worship that God
condemned and prohibited of old. . . . Paul
. . . points to the special working of Satan
in Spiritualism as an event to take place
immediately before the second advent of
Christ. Speaking of Christ's second coming,
he declares that it is 'after the working of
Satan with all power and signs and lying
wonders.' 2 Thessalonians 2
:9."—Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page 686.
8.
What is the goal of these miracle-
working spirits? Rev. 16:14; 13:13-15.
NOTE.—"Supernatural manifestations of
various kinds constitute the means by which
Satan, working through various human
agencies, succeeds in uniting the world be-
hind his purpose to obliterate those who
constitute the only barrier to his unchal-
lenged dominion over mankind."—The
Sev-
enth-day Adventist Bible Commentary,
on
Rev.. 16:14.
The Christian's Only Safety
9.
What close test of loyalty to God
will come to the Christian through
last-day miracles? Mau. 24:24. Com-
pare Deut. 13:1-5.
10.
What is the only safe criterion
for truth? John 17:17; Isa. 8:19, 20.
NoTE.—"So closely will the counterfeit
resemble the true that it will be impossible
to distinguish between them except by the
Holy Scriptures. By their testimony every
statement and every miracle must be tested."
—The Great Controversy,
page 593.
11.
What preparation is required
of those who would successfully resist
these deceptions? Eph. 6:11, 12. Com-
pare verses 13-18.
NoTE.="Just before us is the 'hour of
temptation, which shall come upon all the
world, to try them that dwell upon the
earth.' Revelation 3:10. All whose faith is
not firmly established upon the word of
God will be deceived and overcome. Satan
`works with all deceivableness of unright-
eousness' to gain control of the children of
men; and his deceptions will continually in-
crease. But he can gain his object only as
men voluntarily yield to his temptations.
Those who are earnestly seeking a knowledge
of the truth, and are striving to purify their
souls through obedience, thus doing what
they can to prepare for the conflict, will
find, in the God of truth, a sure defense. 'Be-
cause thou hast kept the word of My pa-
tience, I also will keep thee,' is the Saviour's
promise. He would sooner send every angel
out of heaven to protect His people, than
leave one soul that trusts in Him to be over-
come by Satan."—The
Great Controversy,
page 560.
Questions for Meditation
1.
Am I developing a spiritual experience
that will testify more strongly for Christ
than the spirit miracles will for the forces
of evil?
2.
What, after all, is the greatest miracle?
The senior "Sabbath School Lesson Quarterly" is published in the
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Polish, Russian, Slovakian, Spanish, Swedish, Ukrainian, and Yugo-
slay. Write to the Pacific Press Publishing Association, Mountain
View, California, for any of these quarterlies for the strangers
within your gates.
[ 24 ]
Lesson 7, for February 18, 1961
Counterfeit Signs
MEMORY VERSE: "For there shall arise false christs, and false prophets, and shall
show great signs and wonders; insomuch that, if it were possible, they shall
deceive the very elect." Matt. 24:24.
STUDY HELPS: "The Great Controversy," chapters 37, 38, and first half of 39; "Testi-
monies," vol. 1, pp. 290-302; vol. 5, pp. 696-698; "The Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Commentary/' on Scripture references; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Dictionary;" Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of February 2.
DAILY 'STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-4.
❑
Monday: Questions 5-7; begin
reading from Study Helps.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 8-11.
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 12-14; read
further from. Study Helps.
Thursday: Read from Study Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline
Introduction
I. Warning Concerning Counterfeit
Signs
1.
False christs, prophets, and signs.
Matt. 24:24.
2.
Misleading miracles. Rev. 13:13, 14.
3.
The supreme delusion. 2 Cor. 11:14.
4.
Many will be deceived.
1 Tim. 4:1; Rev. 13:8.
II. Satan's Successful Use of the
Counterfeit
5.
Counterfeit miracles in Egypt.
Ex. 7:10-12.
6.
Counterfeit movements in the last
days.
7. Counterfeit revivals. 2 Tim. 3:5.
III. How to Discern the Counterfeit
8. Prove all things. 1 Thess. 5:21;
1 John 4:1-3.
9. "To the law and to the testimony."
Isa. 8:20.
10. According to God's expressed will.
Deut. 13:1-4.
11. The manner of Christ's coming can-
not be counterfeited. Matt. 24:24-
27; 25:31.
IV. Necessary Preparation
12. Know the reasons for our faith.
1 Peter 3:15.
13. Search as did the Bereans.
Acts 17:11.
14. Obedience and faith. Rev. 3:10.
THE LESSON
Introduction
As the end approaches, Satan's deceptions
will increase in subtlety. His supreme effort
will be directed against the remnant church,
if only to nullify the great work God has
commissioned it to do in preparation for
Christ's second coming. Many will be de-
ceived, "giving heed to seducing spirits and
doctrines of devils." They will "go out from
us," says Ellen G. White in
Notebook Leaf-
lets,
"The Church," No. 3, p. 1. It is there-
fore of the utmost importance that every
member become familiar with Satan's strat-
25
WHEN AN EXPERT KNOWS
GENUINE DIAMONDS,
HE CANNOT BE FOOLED
BY COUNTERFEIT
STONES.
egy and how to meet it, so as to be both
forewarned and forearmed for the perils
ahead. "Nothing disturbs Satan so much as
our knowledge of his devices. If we feel
our dangers we shall feel the need of prayer."
—Testimonies,
vol. 3, p. 572.
Warning Concerning
Counterfeit Signs
1.
Of what counterfeits did Christ
warn His disciples? Matt. 24:24.
2.
What means will be used to de-
ceive the world in the last days? Rev.
13:13, 14. Compare Rev. 16:14.
3.
What will be the supreme de-
lusion? 2 Cor. 11:14. Compare
2 Thess. 2:9.
NOTE.—"Satan
came as an angel of light
in the wilderness of temptation to deceive
Christ. . . . He will come personating Jesus
Christ, working mighty miracles; and men
will fall down and worship him as Jesus
Christ. We shall be commanded to worship
this being, whom the world will glorify as
Christ. What shall we do ?—Tell them that
Christ has warned us against just such a
foe, who is man's worst enemy, yet who
claims to be God; and that when Christ
shall make His appearance, it will be with
power and great glory, accompanied by ten
thousand times ten thousand angels and
thousands of thousands; and that when He
shall come, we shall know His voice (RH
Dec. 18, 1888) ."—Ellen G. White Comments,
on 2 Cor. 11:14,
The Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Commentary,
vol. 6, pp. 1105, 1106.
"As the crowning act in the great drama
of deception, Satan himself will personate
Christ. . . . In different parts of the earth,
Satan will manifest himself among men as a
majestic being of dazzling brightness. . . .
The shout of triumph rings out upon the
air:
'Christ has come! Christ has come!'
. . . He heals the diseases of the people, and
then, in his assumed character of Christ, he
claims to have changed the Sabbath to Sun-
day. . . . This is the strong, almost over-
mastering delusion."—The
Great Contro-
versy,
page 624.
4.
How many will be deceived?
1 Tim. 4:1; Rev. 13:8.
NoTE.—"All whose faith is
not firmly es-
tablished
upon the word of God will be de-
ceived and overcome."—The
Great Contro-
versy,
page 560.
Satan's Successful Use of the
Counterfeit
5.
Through what means did Satan
succeed in turning Pharaoh against the
authority of- the true God? Ex. 7:
10-12.
NOTE.—"It
was beyond the power of
Satan to change the rods to living serpents.
The prince of evil, though possessing all the
wisdom and might of an angel fallen, has
not power to create, or to give life; this is
the prerogative of God alone. But all that
was in Satan's power to do, he did; he pro-
duced a counterfeit."—Patriarchs
and
Prophets,
page 264.
26
6.
During the past century what
great counterfeits have paralleled the
rise and development of the advent
movement?
ANSWER: Since 1844 God has raised up a
people to announce the soon coming of
Christ and to teach the truth concerning the
Sabbath, the heavenly sanctuary, and the
mortality of the soul. In fulfillment of the
prediction of Revelation 12:17 and 19:10
God has blessed them with the guidance of
the spirit of prophecy.
During this very same period Satan has
stirred up numerous counterfeit movements,
some with counterfeit prophets and pro-
phetic writings, some even with counterfeit
christs. Spiritism with its false wonders has
lured millions to belief in the error of the im-
mortality of the soul. The widely held theory
of evolution has undermined faith in God's
creative power, in the Scriptural basis of
Sabbath observance, and in the plan of sal-
vation.
7.
What counterfeit religious activ-
ity in the Christian world will parallel
the
final revival among God's people?
2 Tim. 3:5.
NoTE.—"Before the final visitation of
God's judgments upon the earth there will
be among the people of the Lord such a
revival of primitive godliness as has not
been witnessed since apostolic times. . . .
The enemy of souls desires to hinder this
work; and before the time for such a move-
ment shall come, he will endeavor to prevent
it, by introducing a counterfeit. . . .There
will be manifest what is thought to be great
religious interest. Multitudes will exult that
God is working marvelously for them, when
the work is that of another spirit. Under a
religious guise, Satan will seek to extend his
influence over the Christian world."—The
Great Controversy,
page 464.
How to Discern the Counterfeit
8.
How are Christians advised to
distinguish between the true and the
counterfeit? 1 Thess. 5:21; 1 John
4:1-3.
9.
To what should God's people
look as the standard of truth? Isa. 8:20.
NoTE.—"God will have a people upon the
earth to maintain the Bible, and the Bible
only, as the standard of all doctrines, and
the basis of all reforms. . . . Before accept-
ing any doctrine or precept, we should de-
mand a plain 'Thus saith the Lord' in its
support."—The
Great Controversy,
page
595.
10.
Even if a false prophet should
perform a miracle, upon what basis
may his authority be denied? Deut.
13:1-4.
11.
In view of the activities of coun-
terfeit christs, how may Christians rec-
ognize the coming of the true Son of
God? Matt. 24:24-27; 25:31. Compare
1 Thess. 4:16, 17; Rev. 1:7.
NoTE.—"Satan is not permitted to coun-
terfeit the manner of Christ's advent. . . .
This coming, there is no possibility of coun-
terfeiting. It will be universally known—
witnessed by the whole world."—The
Great
Controversy,
page 625.
Necessary Preparation
12.
How thoroughly should Chris-
tians be acquainted with the reasons
for their beliefs? 1 Peter 3:15.
NOTE.—"The Lord desires that every soul
who claims to believe the truth shall have
an intelligent knowledge of what is truth.
False prophets will arise, and will deceive
many. Everything is to be shaken that can
be shaken. Then does it not become every-
[ 27 I
one to understand the reasons of our faith?"
—Ellen G. White,
Notebook Leaflets,
"The
Church," No. 3, p. 1.
13.
How did the Bereans determine
whether Paul's teachings were true or
false? Acts 17:11.
NoTE.—"The last great delusion is soon to
open before us. Antichrist is to perform his
marvelous works in our sight. So closely
will the counterfeit resemble the true that
it will be impossible to distinguish between
them except by the Holy Scriptures. By
their testimony every statement and every
miracle must be tested."—The
Great Con-
troversy,
page 593.
"Only those who have been diligent stu-
dents of the Scriptures and who have re-
ceived the love of the truth will be shielded
from the powerful delusion that takes the
world captive. By the Bible testimony these
will detect the deceiver in his disguise. To
all the testing time will come. . . Are the
people of God now so firmly established
upon His word that they would not yield
to the evidence of their senses? . . . Satan
will, if possible, prevent them from obtain-
ing a preparation to stand in that day."—
Ibid.,
p. 625.
14.
To whom does God promise
protection in times of trial? Rev. 3:10.
NoTE.—"He [ Satan] can gain his object
only as men voluntarily yield to his tempta-
tions. Those who are earnestly seeking a
knowledge of the truth and striving to purify
their souls through obedience, thus doing
what they can to prepare for the conflict,
will find, in the God of truth, a sure defense.
. . . He would sooner send every angel out
of heaven to protect His people than leave
one soul that trusts in Him to be overcome
by Satan."—The
Great Controversy,
page
560.
"The more we learn in reference to the
early days of the Christian church, and see
with what subtlety Satan worked to weaken
and destroy, the better we shall be prepared
to resist his devices and meet coming perils.
We are in the time when tribulations such as
the world has never yet seen will prevail.
. But God has set bounds that Satan can-
not pass. Our most holy faith is this bar-
rier; and if we build ourselves up in the
faith, we shall be safe in the keeping of the
Mighty
One."—Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 297.
Questions for Meditation
1.
If some unusually gifted and charming
person should arise, performing miracles and
preaching Christian love but denying God's
laws, what would be my attitude toward
him?
2.
Am I resolved to remain loyal to the
teachings of the Bible no matter what may
happen in the future?
Lesson 8, for February 25, 1961
The Last Great Sign
MEMORY VERSE:
"This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for
a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come." Matt.
24:14.
STUDY HELPS:
"Christ's Object Lessons," pages 225-237 (chapter, "Go Into the
Highways and Hedges"); "Testimonies," vol. 8, pp. 19-23; "The Seventh-day
Adventist Bible Commentary," on Scripture references; "The Seventh-day Ad-
ventist Bible Dictionary;" Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of February 9.
See also "The Great Controversy," chapter 38.
[ 28 ]
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1, 2; begin read-
ing from Study Helps.
❑
Monday: Questions 3-5; read further
from Study Helps.
❑
Check Here
Tuesday: Questions 6-10.
Wednesday: Questions 11-13.
❑
Thursday: Read from Study Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline
Introduction
I. The Gospel to All the World
1.
All men to have witness borne to
them. Matt. 24:14.
2.
All must have a basis for decision.
Rom. 10:14.
II. The Advent Movement
3.
The work symbolized by the three
angels. Rev. 14:6-12.
4.
Present extent of this work.
5.
The "loud cry." Rev. 18:1.
III. Greater Power Than at Pentecost
6.
The results of the "former rain."
Acts 2:41,-43.
7.
The gospel to every nation.
Col. 1:5, 6, 23.
8.
The promise of the "latter rain."
Joel 2:28, 29.
9.
The gift of the Spirit. Acts 1:8.
10.
The urgency of the final invitation.
Luke 14:23.
IV. In This Generation
11.
Hastening the coming.
2 Peter 3:11, 12, 14.
12.
"With one accord." Acts 1:14 ; 2:1 ;
4:13.
13.
The great commission. Mark 16:15
THE LESSON
Introduction
In a special sense, the preaching of the
gospel to all the world is one of the last great
signs, and as time goes by it will become
ever more clearly recognizable. At last,
shortly before the end, through the out-
pouring of the Holy Spirit, the dedicated
activities of God's people, and their employ-
ment of spectacular scientific inventions, the
entire inhabited globe will be "lightened"
with the glory of God's love through the
presentation of His final message of mercy.
Rev. 18:1.
The Gospel to All the World
1. What great work did Christ say
will be completed before the end
comes? Matt. 24:14.
NOTE.
-"Before
the fall of Jerusalem,
Paul, writing by the Holy Spirit, declared
that the gospel was preached to 'every crea-
ture which is under heaven.' Col. 1:23. So
now, before the coming of the Son of man,
the everlasting gospel is to be preached 'to
every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and
people.' Rev. 14:6, 14. God `bath appointed
a day, in the which He will judge the world.'
Acts 17:31. Christ tells us when that day
shall be ushered in. He does not say that
all the world will be converted, but that
`this gospel of the kingdom shall be preached
in all the world for a witness unto all na-
tions; and then shall the end come.'
"-The
Desire of Ages,
page 633.
2. Why must all hear the gospel be-
fore probation closes? Rom. 10:14.
NOTE.-"Not one is made to suffer the
wrath of God until the truth has been
brought home to his mind and conscience,
and has been rejected. . . . He who reads
every heart and tries every motive will leave
none who desire a knowledge of the truth,
to be deceived as to the issues of the con-
129
1
THE GOSPEL MUST BE FINISHED IN ALL
THE WORLD AND IN YOUR HEART AND MINE.
troversy. . . . Everyone is to have sufficient
light to make his decision intelligently."—
The Great Controversy,
page 605.
"It will not be long before everyone will
have heard the warning and made his de-
cision. Then shall the end
come."—Testi-
monies,
vol. 6, p. 24.
The Advent Movement
3. What religious awakening is rep-
resented by the three angels of Revela-
tion 14? Rev. 14:6-12.
NOTE.—"A great religious awakening un-
der the proclamation of Christ's soon com-
ing is foretold in the prophecy of the first
angel's message of Revelation 14. An angel
is seen flying 'in the midst of heaven, hav-
ing the everlasting gospel to preach unto
them that dwell on the earth, and to every
nation, and kindred, and tongue, and peo-
ple.' With a loud voice,' he proclaims the
message: 'Fear God, and give glory to Him;
for the hour of His judgment is come: and
worship Him that made heaven, and earth,
and the sea, and the fountains of waters.' "
—The Great Controversy,
page 355.
"Like the great Reformation of the six-
teenth century, the advent movement ap-
peared in different countries of Christendom
at the same time. In both Europe and
America men of faith and prayer were led
to the study of the prophecies, and, tracing
down the inspired record, they saw convinc-
ing evidence that the end of all things was
at hand."—I bid., p. 357.
4.
What is the present extent of the
work of the advent movement?
ANSWER:
At the close of 1958 Seventh-
day Adventists were working in 189 of the
213 countries and islands of the world, using
791 languages and dialects. Their literature
was being issued in 218 languages by 44 pub-
lishing houses. Their medical work was be-
ing conducted by 2,965 doctors and nurses
in 221 sanitariums, hospitals, and clinics
around the world. Their educational pro-
gram was carried on in 4,568 elementary
schools and 324 colleges and academies. They
employed 5,757 ordained and licensed pas-
tors and evangelists who were engaged in
active preaching of the gospel, besides an-
other 1,149 ordained ministers engaged
in
administrative and promotional work.
5.
What climax finishes the procla-
mation of the gospel? Rev. 18:1.
NOTE.—"The
angel who unites in the proc-
lamation of the third angel's message is to
lighten the whole earth with his glory. A
work of world-wide extent and unwonted
power is here foretold. The advent move-
ment of 1840-44 was a glorious manifesta-
tion of the power of God; the first angel's
message was carried to every missionary sta-
tion in the world, and in some countries
there was the greatest religious interest
which has been witnessed in any land since
the Reformation of the sixteenth century;
but these are to be exceeded by the mighty
movement under the last warning of the
third angel."—The
Great Controversy,
page
611.
Greater Power Than at Pentecost
6.
What results attended the out-
pouring of the Holy Spirit at Pente-
cost? Acts 2:41, 43.
30
7.
How widely was the gospel pro-
claimed by the first generation of
Christians? Col. 1:5, 6, 23.
8.
What still greater manifestation
of the divine power has been promised
for the last days? Joel 2:28, 29.
NozE.—"In immediate connection with
the scenes of the great day of God, the Lord
by the prophet Joel has promised a special
manifestation of His Spirit. Joel 2:28. This
prophecy received a partial fulfillment in the
outpouring of the Spirit on the Day of Pen-
tecost ; but it will reach its full accomplish-
ment in the manifestation of divine grace
which will attend the closing work of the
gospel."—The
Great Controversy,
Introduc-
tion, page ix.
"If this prophecy of Joel met a partial
fulfillment in the days of the apostles, we
are living in a time when it is to be even
more evidently manifest to the people of
God. He will so bestow His Spirit upon His
people that they will become a light amid
the moral darkness; and great light will be
reflected in all parts of the world. 0 that
our faith might be increased, that the Lord
might work mightily with His people."—
Ellen G. White Comments,
The Seventh-day
Adventist Bible Commentary,
vol. 4, p. 1175.
9.
How are the believers to be qual-
ified to spread the gospel? Acts 1:8.
Compare 1 Cor. 12:7-10.
NorE.—"It was by the confession and for-
saking of sin, by earnest prayer and con-
secration of themselves to God, that the
early disciples prepared for the outpouring
of the Holy Spirit on the Day of Pentecost.
The same work, only in greater degree, must
be done now. . . .
"While we cherish the blessing of the early
rain, we must not . . . lose sight of the fact
that without the latter rain, to fill out the
ears and ripen the grain, the harvest will not
be ready for the sickle, and the labor of the
sower will have been in vain. Divine grace
is needed at the beginning, divine grace at
every step of advance, and divine grace alone
can complete the
work."—Testimonies to
Ministers,
pages 507, 508.
10.
With what urgency will the
final warning be given? Luke 14:23.
NOTE.—"Servants of God, with their faces
lighted up and shining with holy consecra-
tion, will hasten from place to place to
proclaim the message from heaven. By thou-
sands of voices, all over the earth, the warn-
ing will be given. Miracles will be wrought,
the sick will be healed, and signs and won-
ders will follow the believers. Satan also
works with lying wonders, even bringing
down fire from heaven in the sight of men.
Revelation 13:13. Thus the inhabitants of
the earth will be brought to take their stand."
—The Great Controversy,
page 612.
In This Generation
11.
What standard of preparation
of heart and life must God's people
reach in order to hasten the return of
Christ in their generation? 2 Peter
3:11, 12, 14.
NOTE.
-"By
giving the gospel to the world
it is in our power to hasten our Lord's re-
turn. We are not only to look for but to
hasten the coming of the day of God."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 633.
12.
What qualifications enabled the
apostles to carry the gospel to the en-
tire world in their time? Acts 1:14;
2:1; 4:13.
NOTE.—"No longer were their hopes set
on wordly greatness. They were of 'one
accord,' of one mind and one soul. Christ
filled their thoughts. The advancement of
His kingdom was their aim. In mind and
character they had become like their
Mas-
ter."—Education,
page 95.
13.
What great commission has yet
to be fulfilled in our time? Mark 16:
15. Compare Matt.,28:19, 20.
[
31
]
NoTE.-There is much work yet to be
done. But it can be completed in our time if
we seek for the same spiritual qualifications
that enabled the apostles to carry the gospel
to every nation under heaven in their genera-
tion.
"Were all who profess His name bearing
fruit to His glory, how quickly the whole
world would be sown with the seed of the
gospel. Quickly the last great harvest would
be ripened, and Christ would come to gather
the precious
grain."-Christ's Object Les-
sons,
page 69.
Questions for Meditation
1.
Does my life witness to my eagerness
for Christ's return?
2.
AM rdoing all I can to help others to
hear the glad tidings of the second advent,
and so hasten Christ's return?
Lesson 9, for March 4, 1961
How Near Is the End?
MEMORY VERSE:
"But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels
which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father." Mark
13:32.
STUDY HELPS:
"Christ's Object Lessons," pages 405-421 (chapter, "To Meet the
Bridegroom"); "Evangelism," pages 694-697; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Commentary," on Scripture references; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Dic-
tionary;" Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of February 16. See also "The
Desire of Ages," chapter 69.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1,2; begin read-
ing from Study Helps.
❑
Monday: Questions 3-6.
❑
Check Here
Tuesday: Questions 7-9.
0
Wednesday: Questions 10-13.
0
Thursday: Read from Study Helps.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline
Introduction
I. Exact Time a Mystery
1.
Known only to God. Mark 13:32 ;
Matt. 24:36.
2.
All may know the end is near.
Matt. 24:33.
II. Warnings of Apparent Delay
3.
"Ye have need of patience."
Heb. 10:35-37.
4.
Holding of the four winds.
Rev. 7:1-3.
5.
"While the bridegroom tarried."
Matt. 25:1-13.
6.
"Where is the promise of His com-
ing?" 2 Peter 3:3, 4.
III. Reasons for the Delay
7. Not ready to be sealed. Rev. 7:3.
8. The gospel must be given to all the
world. Matt. 24:14.
9.
God's forbearance. 2 Peter 3:9.
IV. Need for Watchfulness
10. "Though it tarry." Hab. 2:1-4.
11. "Lest coming suddenly."
Luke 12:35-40.
12. "My Lord delayeth His coming."
Matt. 24:48-51.
13. "Occupy till I come." Luke 19:13.
[ 82]
THE LESSON
Introduction
Some people busy themselves mapping out
the future, bending the time prophecies of
the Bible to fit their own theories. It is a
futile effort, for "the exact time of the sec-
ond coming of the Son of man is God's
mystery."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 633.
However, while God has, for excellent rea-
sons, withheld this information, He has sup-
plied evidence enough to indicate when this
climactic event is approaching. He has so
ordered this matter that His people shall be
ever on the alert, constantly watching and
praying for their Lord's return.
Exact Time a Mystery
1.
Who alone knows the exact time
of Christ's coming? Mark 13:32; Matt.
24:36.
2.
What are Christians expected to
know about the time of the advent?
Matt. 24:33.
NoTE.—While "ye know neither the day
nor the hour," Jesus clearly desires us to
know when it is near.
"Are we to wait until the fulfillment of the
prophecies of the end before we say any-
thing concerning them? Of what value will
our words be then? Shall we wait until
God's judgments fall upon the transgressor
before we tell him how to avoid them?
Where is our faith in the word of God?
Must we see things foretold come to pass
before we will believe what He has said? In
clear, distinct rays light has come to us,
showing us that the great day of the Lord is
near at hand, 'even at the doors.' Let us read
and understand before it is too
late."—Testi-
monies,
vol. 9, p. 20.
"The more frequently a definite time is
set for the second advent, and the more
widely it is taught, the better it suits the
purposes of Satan. After the time has passed,
he excites ridicule and contempt of its ad-
vocates, and thus casts reproach upon the
great advent movement of 1843 and 1844.
Those who persist in this error will at last
fix upon a date too far in the future for the
coming of Christ. Thus they will be led to
rest in a false security, and many will not be
undeceived until it is too late."—The
Great
Controversy,
page 457.
Warnings of Apparent Delay
3.
What are believers urged to ex-
ercise and why? Heb. 10:35-37.
NoTE.—This passage implies that there
will be a seeming delay, and that the Lord
will appear to tarry.
"Our Lord delays because of His long-
suffering to usward, 'not willing that any
should perish, but that all should come to
repentance.' But when we, with all the re-
deemed, shall stand upon the sea of glass,
with harps of gold and crowns of glory,
. . . we shall see how short was the waiting
period of probation. . . . The Lord is will-
ing to help us, to strengthen and bless us;
but we must pass through the refining proc-
ess until all the impurities in our character
are burned away. Every member of the
church will be subjected to the furnace, not
to consume, but to
purify."—Testimonies,
vol.
5, p. 485.
4.
What command is given to the
angels holding the four winds? Rev.
7:1-3.
NOTE.—"Especially should we, with un-
wavering faith, seek God for grace and power
to be given to His people now. We do not
believe that the time has fully come when
He would have our liberties restricted. The
prophet saw 'four angels . . . holding the
four winds of the earth.' . . . Another angel,
ascending from the east, cried to them, say-
ing: 'Hurt not the earth, . . . till we have
sealed the servants of our God in their fore-
heads.' This points out the work we have
now to
do."—Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 717.
5.
What parable represents the ex-
perience of believers while the bride-
groom tarries? Matt. 25:1-13.
(33]
NOTE.—"In the parable, all the ten virgins
went out to meet the bridegroom. All had
lamps and vessels for oil. For a time there
was seen no difference between them. So
with the church that lives just before Christ's
second coming. All have a knowledge of the
Scriptures. All have heard the message of
Christ's near approach, and confidently ex-
pect His appearing. But as in the parable,
so it is now. A time of waiting intervenes,
faith is tried; and when the cry is heard,
`Behold, the Bridegroom cometh ; go ye out
to meet Him,' many are unready."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 408.
"Christ is waiting with longing desire for
the manifestation of Himself in His church.
When the character of Christ shall be per-
fectly reproduced in His people, then He
will come to claim them as His
own."—Ibid.,
p. 69.
6.
What effect does the apparent de-
lay have on unbelievers? 2 Peter 3:3, 4.
NOTE.—"The world, full of rioting, full of
godless pleasure, is asleep, asleep in carnal
security. Men are putting afar off the com-
ing of the Lord. They laugh at warnings.
. . . At the very time when the world is ask-
ing in scorn, 'Where is the promise of His
coming?' the signs are fulfilling."—The
De-
sire of Ages,
page 635.
"It was not the will of God that the com-
ing of Christ should be thus delayed. God
did not design that His people, Israel, should
wander forty years in the wilderness. He
promised to lead them directly to the land
of Canaan. . . .
"The same sins have delayed the entrance
of modern Israel into the heavenly Canaan.
In neither case were the promises of God at
fault. It is the unbelief, the worldliness, un-
consecration, and strife among the Lord's
professed people that have kept us in this
world of sin and sorrow so many years."—
Evangelism,
page 696.
Reasons for the Delay
7.
Why were the angels commanded
to continue holding the four winds?
Rev. 7:3.
THE TRUE SHORTNESS OF TIME IS THAT EACH CHRISTIAN
HAS SO SHORT A LIFE IN WHICH
TO HELP OTHERS PREPARE TO MEET JESUS.
NorE.—"I saw four angels who had a
work to do on the earth, and were on their
way to accomplish it. Jesus was clothed with
priestly garments. He gazed in pity on the
remnant, then raised His hands, and with
a voice of deep pity cried,
'My blood, Father,
My blood, My blood, My blood!'
Then I
saw an exceeding bright light come from
God, who sat upon the great white throne,
and was shed all about Jesus. Then I saw an
angel with a commission from Jesus, swiftly
flying to the four angels who had a work to
do on the earth, and waving something up
and down in his hand, and crying with a
loud voice,
'Hold! Hold! Hold! Hold!
until
the servants of God are sealed in their fore-
heads.'
"—Early Writings,
page 38.
8.
What great work in the world is
yet to be accomplished? Matt. 24:14.
Nora.—"Had Adventists, after the great
disappointment in 1844, held fast their faith
and followed on unitedly in the opening
providence of God, receiving the message of
the third angel and in the power of the Holy
Spirit proclaiming it to the world, they
would have seen the salvation of God, the
Lord would have wrought mightily with
their efforts, the work would have been
completed, and Christ would have come ere
this to receive His people to their reward."—
Evangelism,
page 695.
"In mercy to the world, Jesus delays His
[ 14 ]
coming, that sinners may have an opportu-
nity to hear the warning'."—The Great Con-
troversy,
page 458.
9.
What special regard does God
have for those who are unprepared
for His coming? 2 Peter 3:9.
NOTE.—"God is long-suffering, not willing
that any should perish; but His forbearance
has a limit, and when the boundary is past,
there is no second probation. His wrath will
go forth and He will destroy without rem-
edy."—Ellen G. White Comments,
The Sev-
enth-day Adventist Bible Commentary, vol.
7,
p.
946.
Need for Watchfulness
10.
Despite the apparent delay, how
do God's people know that His pur-
pose has not failed? Hab. 2:1-4.
NOTE.—"The faith that strengthened Ha-
bakkuk and all the holy and the just in those
days of deep trial was the same faith that
sustains God's people today. In the darkest
hours, under circumstances the most forbid-
ding, the Christian believer may keep his
soul stayed upon the source of all light and
power. . . . In the service of God there need
be no despondency, no wavering, no fear.
The Lord will more than fulfill the highest
expectations of those who put their trust in
Him."—Prophets and Kings,
pages 386, 387.
"It is true that time has continued longer
than we expected in the early days of this
message. Our Saviour did not appear as
soon as we hoped. But has the word of the
Lord failed? Never! It should be remem-
bered that the promises and the threaten-
ings of God are alike conditional."—Evan-
gelism, page 695.
11.
For what reason are believers
urged to be watchful? Luke 12:35-40.
Compare Mark 13:33-37.
NoTE.—The message of the signs is that
the end
has been
near for more than one
hundred years. We are living in an emer-
gency period of delay while God waits in
mercy for His people to warn the world and
prepare themselves for His return. How
soon these conditions will be met only God
Himself knows. Our only safety is in watch-
ing and being ready to meet Him at any
time.
12.
What parable warns of the dan-
ger of putting far off the second' com-
ing? Matt. 24:48-51.
NoTE.—"The evil servant . .. does not say
that Christ will not come. He does not scoff
at the idea of His second coming. But in his
heart and by his actions and words he de-
clares that the Lord's coming is delayed. He
banishes from the minds of others the con-
viction that the Lord is coming quickly."—
The Desire of Ages,
page 635.
13.
How should believers make use
of the remaining time? Luke 19:13.
Compare Matt. 24:45, 46.
NovE.—"Belief in the near coming of the
Son of man in the clouds of heaven will not
cause the true Christian to become neglectful
and careless of the ordinary business of life.
. . . Those who flatter themselves that care-
less inattention to the things of this life is an
evidence of their spirituality and of their
separation from the world are under a great
deception."---Testimonies,
vol. 4, p. 309.
"Because the time is apparently extended,
many have become careless and indifferent
in regard to their words and actions. They
do not realize their danger and do not see
and understand the mercy of our God in
lengthening their probation, that they may
have time to form characters for the fu-
ture, immortal life. Every moment is of the
highest
value."—Ibid.,
p. 306.
Questions for Meditation
1.
If Christ should come today would He
find me asleep, or awake?
2.
Am I determined to remain faithful to
my Lord no matter how long He may delay
His return?
[ 35 ]
Lesson 10, for March 11, 1961
The Church and Fulfilling Signs
MEMORY VERSE:
"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering;
(for He is faithful that promised;) and let us consider one another to provoke
unto love and to good works." Heb. 10:23, 24.
STUDY HELPS:
"Your Bible and You," pages 457-474; "The Seventh-day Adventist
Bible Commentary," on Scripture references; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible
Dictionary;" Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of February 23.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check
Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-3.
❑
Monday: Questions 4-6; read from
Study Helps.
❑
Tuesday: Questions 7-9.
❑
Check Here
Wednesday: Questions 10, 11;
read from Study Helps.
Thursday: Questions 12, 13.
Friday: Review entire lesson.
Lesson Outline
Introduction
I. The Church's Peril
L
Indifference. Luke 21:34, 35.
2.
Carelessness. Matt. 24:48-51.
3.
Somnolence. Matt. 25:5.
II. The Church's Duty
4.
To awake. Rom. 13:11, 12.
5.
To seek revival. Rev. 3:15-18.
6.
To complete its unfinished task.
Rev. 14:6.
III. The Church's Responsibility
7.
To God: worship. Rev. 14:7.
8. To fellow members: brotherliness.
Heb. 10:23-25.
9. To the world: service.
Matt. 25:31-40.
IV. The Church's Objective
10. To "grow up into Him."
2 Peter 3:18 ; Eph. 4:15.
11.
To become like Christ.
1
John 3:2, 3.
V. The Church's Reward
12. Eternal salvation. Matt. 24:13.
13. Infinite inheritance. Rev. 21:7.
THE LESSON
Introduction
In
the foregoing lessons, study has been
given to some of the outstanding signs of
Christ's imminent return. Abundant evi-
dence has been provided to show that the
great Bible prophecies concerning the last
days of this world's history are now meeting
their fulfillment. But recognition of the
promised signs is of little value unless such
knowledge leads to appropriate action. Only
as these divine warnings are heeded can they
prove a blessing to the church. It is pos-
sible for Christians to become so familiar
with the omens of the advent that their
urgent challenge will be muted. Even minis-
ters, regarding these omens as too well worn
for sermon material, may cease to preach
about them. Beyond question, the most
vital need of the remnant church today is
[ 36 ]
THE CHURCH OF CHRIST HAS ONLY
ONE TRUE GOAL.
-
to be moved by the message it was called
into existence to proclaim. By a fresh in-
filling of the Holy Spirit it must sense anew
the mighty meaning of the signs of the times
and be led theteby to full repentance of sin
and total dedication to its appointed task of
giving God's last message to mankind.
The Church's Peril
1.
What warning did Christ leave
on record, for those who should see the
,signs of His return? Luke 21:34, 35.
NoTE.—At the very time when the church
should be most alert it will be in greatest
danger of indifference through self-indul-
gence and overconcern with the affairs of
this life. Another translation renders this
passage thus: "Be on your guard lest your
minds should ever be dulled by debauches
or drunkenness or anxieties of life, and lest
`That Day' should come suddenly upon you,
like a snare. For come it will upon all who
are living upon the face of the whole earth."
—The Twentieth Century New Testament.
2.
What other peril will confront
the church in the last days? Matt. 24:
48-51.
NOTE.—The words "my Lord delayeth His
coming" fall from the lips of those who have
become careless about His return. Far from
yearning for Him to come in glory, they
would rather He put off His advent indefi-
nitely. It would interfere with their plans.
They are too wedded to the world to want
to leave it. Strife in the church is a sure
indication of a careless attitude toward the
Lord's return.
-
3. In His parable of the ten virgins,
how did Christ picture the attitude of
His people in the days immediately
preceding His return? Matt. 25:5.
NoTE.—The Master's words, "They all
slumbered and slept," suggest that His en-
tire church will be in danger of sleeping
through the greatest crisis of the ages. And
when the great awakening comes—as come
it will—there will be no time to supply the
lack of previous spiritual preparation.
"Here [Matthew 25] is brought to view
the church living in the last days, the same
that is pointed out in the close of chapter 24.
In this parable their [the believers'] experi-
ence is illustrated by the incidents of an
Eastern marriage. . . . These had gone forth
to meet the Lord, full of hope in the pros-
pect of immediate reward; but they were
not prepared for delay and disappointment.
When trials came, their faith failed, and
their lights burned dim. . . . 'They all slum-
bered and slept;' one class in unconcern and
abandonment of their faith, the other class
patiently waiting till clearer light should be
given. Yet in the night of trial the latter
seemed to lose, to some extent, their zeal
and devotion. The halfhearted and super-
ficial could no longer lean upon the faith of
their brethren. Each must stand or fall for
himself."—The
Great Controversy,
pages
393-395.
The Church's Duty
4. What should all now do? Rom.
13:11, 12.
Nom—When the signs of Christ's return
are as clear as they are today, it is surely
"high time to awake out of sleep," become
alert to the tremendous issues at stake, and
prepare ourselves, by complete transforma-
[ 37
tion of life, to participate in the coining
kingdom of righteousness.
"We are living in the closing scenes of this
earth's history. Prophecy is fast fulfilling.
The hours of probation are fast passing. We
have no time—not a moment—to lose. Let
us not be found sleeping on
guard."—Testi-
monies,
vol. 8, p. 252.
5.
What urgent counsel has Christ
left on record for His remnant church?
Rev. 3:15-18.
NoTE.—Revival is the dominant need of
the church today. It needs to repent of its
pride, vainglory, and self-seeking, and in
humility of spirit seek the "gold" of heaven,
the garment of Christ's righteousness, and
the vision of the converted soul.
"God calls for a spiritual revival and a
spiritual reformation. Unless this takes
place, those who are lukewarm will continue
to grow more abhorrent to the Lord, until
He will refuse to acknowledge them as His
children.
"A revival and a reformation must take
place, under the ministration of the Holy
Spirit. Revival and reformation are two
different things. Revival signifies a renewal
of spiritual life, a quickening of the powers
of mind and heart, a resurrection from spirit-
ual death. Reformation signifies a reorgani-
zation, a change in ideas and theories, habits
and practices. Reformation will not bring
forth the good fruit of righteousness unless
it is connected with the revival of the Spirit.
Revival and reformation are to do their
appointed work, and in doing this work
they must
blend."—Selected Messages,
b. 1,
p. 128.
6.
To what task should the church
be devoting its entire energy and zeal
as the end of time approaches? Rev.
14:6.
NOTE.—No somnolent, careless, indifferent
body of believers could compass the global
enterprise envisioned here. No wonder
Christ urges His people to awake! No won-
der He counsels them to open their eyes and
measure the mighty task to be accomplished
ere He can come again.
The Church's Responsibility
7.
What does God expect of His
zealous church? Rev. 14:7.
NoTE.—The first responsibility of the rem-
nant church to God is to "worship Him"
and lead others likewise to "give glory to
Him."
"The success of the gospel message does
not depend upon learned speeches, eloquent
testimonies, or deep arguments. It depends
upon the simplicity of the message and its
adaptation to the souls that are hungering
for the bread of life. . .
"Thousands can be reached in the most
simple and humble way. The most intel-
lectual, those who are looked upon as the
world's most gifted men and women, are
often refreshed by the simple words of one
who loves God, and who can speak of that
love as naturally as the worldling speaks of
the things that interest him most deeply.
"Often the words well prepared and stud-
ied have but little influence. But the true,
honest expression of a son or daughter of
God, spoken in natural simplicity, has power
to unbolt the door to hearts that have long
been closed against Christ and His love."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
pages 231, 232.
8.
What attitude should members
of the remnant church manifest to-
ward each other? Heb. 10:23-25.
NorE.—The Revised Standard Version
renders this beautiful passage as follows:
"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope
without wavering, for He who promised is
faithful; and let us consider how to stir up
one another to love and good works, not
neglecting to meet together, as is the habit
of some, but encouraging one another, and
all the more as you see the Day drawing
near."
The love of Christ is to fill every heart as
each one seeks to encourage others and stir
them up "to love and good works." Not less
and less, but more and more as the Day
draws near.
9.
How should the remnant church
relate itself to the needs of mankind?
Matt. 25:31-40.
[38
1
Nom—"Those whom Christ commends
in the judgment may have known little of
theology, but they have cherished His princi-
ples. Through the influence of the divine
Spirit they have been a blessing to those
about them. . . .
"As you open your door to Christ's needy
and suffering ones, you are welcoming un-
seen angels. You invite the companionship
of heavenly beings. They bring a sacred
atmosphere of joy and peace. They come
with praises upon their lips, and an answer-
ing strain is heard in heaven. Every deed of
mercy makes music there. The Father from
His throne numbers the unselfish workers
among His most precious treasures."—The
Desire of Ages,
pages 638, 639.
The Church's Objective
10.
While the church of the last
days calls men to worship God, while
it seeks to reveal the love of Christ to
fellow members and the needy world,
what should be its own spiritual ob-
jective? 2 Peter 3:18; Eph. 4:15.
NoTt.—Little by little, day by day, all who
love the Lord in sincerity, all who see the
signs of His coming and long for His appear-
ing, will grow in grace and be changed by
the constant presence and power of the Holy
Spirit into the very likeness of the Master.
11.
How does the apostle John de-
scribe this ultimate aim of every true
believer? 1 John 3:2, 3.
NOTE.—"Not
one of us will ever receive
the seal of God while our characters have
one spot or stain upon them. It is left with
us to remedy the defeds in our characters, to
cleanse the soul temple of every defilement."
—Testimonies, vol.
5, p. 214.
"I
saw how this grace could be obtained.
Go to your closet, and there alone plead
with God: 'Create in,
me a clean heart, 0
God; and renew a right spirit within me.'
Be in earnest, be sincere. Fervent prayer
availeth much. Jacoblike, wrestle in prayer.
Agonize. Jesus, in the garden, sweat great
drops of blood; you must make an effort."
—Ibid., vol.
1, p. 158.
The Church's Reward
12.
What will be the reward of
those who "endure unto the end"?
Matt.
24:13.
NOTE.—The reward will be an eternal
salvation. See John 3:15, 16. It will last for-
ever.
"These trials of life are God's workmen to
remove the impurities, infirmities, and
roughness from our characters, and fit us
for the society of pure, heavenly angels in
glory. But as we pass through these trials,
as the fires of affliction kindle upon us, we
must not keep the eye on the fire which is
seen, but let the eye of faith fasten upon the
things unseen, the eternal inheritance, the
immortal life, the eternal weight of glory;
and while we do this the fire will not con-
sume us, but only remove the dross, and we
shall come forth seven times purified, bear-
ing the impress of the
Divine."—Testimo-
nies, vol.
1, pp. 706, 707.
13.
How much will the future in-
heritance include? Rev. 21:7. • Com-
pare Matt. 19:29.
NoTE.—The inheritance will be an infinite
one. As "heirs of God" the saved will be
"joint heirs" with Christ, sharing equally
with their blessed Lord and beloved Elder
Brother.
"All the worth and greatness of this life is
derived from its connection with heaven and
the future, immortal life. God's everlasting
arm encircles the soul that turns •to Him for
aid, however feeble that soul may be. . . .
But the soul that lives for God, unmoved by
censure, unperverted by applause, shall
abide forever with Him. The City of God
will open its golden gates to receive him who
learned while on earth to lean on God for
guidance and wisdom, for" comfort and hope
amid loss and affliction„ ,The songs of the
angels will welcome him there, and for him
the
fie& 6f qif e
yield
,
its f ruits."—T
esti-
monies,
vol. 4, p. 328.
[ 39-1
Questions for Meditation
wholeheartedly into the finishing of God's
work in the earth?
1.
Am I fully awake to the meaning of
3. Have I accepted God's invitation to be
the great issues of this mighty hour?
His child and thus become a "joint heir"
2.
Am I throwing myself and my all with Christ of all the riches of heaven?
Lesson 11, for March 18, 1961
Preparation for His Coming
MEMORY VERSE:
"Therefore be ye also ready: for in such an hour as ye think not
the Son of man cometh." Matt. 24:44.
STUDY HELPS:
"Early Writings," pages 111-116; "The Great Controversy," pages
309-316 (last half of chapter 17); "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commen-
tary," on Scripture references; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Dictionary;"
Lesson Help in "Review and Herald" of March 2.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Sabbath afternoon: General
Sunday: Questions 1-5.
Monday: Questions 6-8.
Tuesday: Questions 9-13.
Check Here
survey.
❑
0
0
Check Here
Wednesday: Read from Study Helps.
❑
Thursday: Read from Study. Helps. ,
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
::.
❑
Lesson Outline
Introduction
I. The Need for Personal Preparation
1: The end will come suddenly.
Mark 13:32-36; Luke 21:34.
2. Jesus' personal warning.
Matt. 24:42, 44.
II. The Time to Prepare
3.
The significance of the signs.
Luke 21:28, 36.
•
4.
Beware of scoffers. 2 Peter 3:3-7.
5.
Now is the time. Rom. 13:11.
III. How to Prepare
6. "Put ye on the Lord." Rom. 13:14;
Gal. 2:20.
7.
The Lord's gracious invitation. Isa.
1:16-20; Matt. 11:28-30;• Rev. 22:
14, 17.
8.
Evidences of acceptance.
Acts 2:37-39.
IV. Living in Expectant Preparedness
9.
Soberness, watchfulness, and lov,e
enjoined. .1 Peter 4:7-10; 2 Peter
3:14.
10.
"Redeeming the time.'.'
Eph. 5:15, 16.
11.
"Kept by the power of God."
1 Peter 1:3-5.
12.
The spirit of thanksgiving. ,
Col. 1:12, 13.
13.
Heavenly citizenship now.
Phil. 3:20, 21.
[40]
THE LESSON
Introduction
"God's message for the inhabitants of
earth today is, 'Be ye also ready: for in such
an hour as ye think not the Son of man
cometh.' Matthew 24:44. The conditions
prevailing in society, and especially in the
great cities of the nations, proclaim in thun
2
der tones that the hour of God's judgment is
come and that the end of all things earthly is
at hand. We are standing on the threshold
of the crisis of the ages. In quick succession
the judgments of God will follow one an-
other—fire, and flood, and earthquake, with
war and bloodshed. We are not to be sur-
prised at this time by events both great and
decisive; for the angel of mercy cannot re-
main much longer to shelter the impenitent."
—Prophets and Kings,
page 278.
The Need for Personal Preparation
1.
Why is it necessary to live in a
state of preparedness for the coming
of Christ? Mark 13:32-36; Luke 21:34.
NOTE.—"Take heed to yourselves in case
your hearts get overpowered by dissipation
and drunkenness and worldly anxieties, and
so that Day catches you suddenly like a
trap." Luke 21:34, Moffatt. Copyright,
Harper and Brothers. Used by permission.
2.
For what reasons does the Lord
urge us to watch and be ready? Matt.
24:42, 44.
The Time to Prepare
3.
As the children of God see the
fast-fulfilling signs, what should their
attitude be? Luke 21:28, 36.
4.
In the last days, what particular
class of adversaries should we expect
to encounter? 2 Peter 3:3-7.
5.
Why is it especially necessary for
believers to maintain a vigil of con-
stant spiritual wakefulness? Rom.
13:11.
NOTE.—"We must be much in prayer if
we would make progress in the divine life.
When the message of truth was first pro-
claimed, how much we prayed. How often
was the voice of intercession heard in the
chamber, in the barn, in the orchard, or the
grove. Frequently we spent hours in earnest
prayer, two or three together claiming the
promise; often the sound of weeping was
heard and then the voice of thanksgiving and
the song of praise. Now the day of God is
nearer than when we first believed, and we
should be more earnest, more zealous, and
fervent than in those early days. Our perils
are greater now than then. Souls are more
hardened. We need now to be imbued with
the spirit of Christ, and we should not rest
until we receive
it."—Testimonies, vol.
5, pp.
161, 162.
How to Prepare
6.
As we face the dissolution of the
present world, what specific prepara-
tion should be made by God's waiting
children? Rom. 13:14; Gal. 2:20.
NorE.—"The Christian's life is not a modi-
fication or improvement of the old, but a
transformation of nature. There is a death
to self and sin, and a new life altogether. This
change can be brought about only by the
effectual working of the Holy Spirit"—
Messages to Young People,
page 157.
7.
In God's gracious invitations to
repent, what dominant key word do
we notice? Isa. 1:16-20; Matt. 11:28-
30; Rev. 22:14, 17.
NOTE.—"Here are the promises, plain and
definite, rich and full; but they are all upon
conditions. If you comply with the condi-
tions, can you not trust the Lord to fulfill
[41
]
"MAKE THE VERY MOST OF
YOUR TIME."
Ephesians 5.16, Moffatt.
His word? Let these blessed promises, set
in the framework of faith, be placed in mem-
ory's halls. Not one of them will fail. All
that God bath spoken He will do. 'He is
faithful that promised.'
"—Testimonies,
vol.
5,
p. 630.
"It is true that repentance does precede
the forgiveness of sins; for it is only the
broken and contrite heart that will feel the
need of a Saviour. But must the sinner wait
till he has repented before he can come to
Jesus? Is repentance to be made an obstacle
between the sinner and the Saviour?
"The Bible does not teach that the sinner
must repent before he can heed the invita-
tion of Christ, 'Come unto Me, all ye that
labor and are heavy-laden, and I will give
you rest.' Matthew 11:28. It is the virtue
that goes forth from Christ, that leads to
genuine repentance. Peter made the matter
clear in his statement to the Israelites when
he said, 'Him bath God exalted with His
right hand to be a Prince and a Saviour, for
to give repentance to Israel, and forgiveness
of sins.' Acts 5:31. We can no more repent
without the Spirit of Christ to awaken the
conscience than we can be pardoned with-
out
Christ."—Steps to Christ,
page 26.
8. What evidences of the work of
God's Spirit upon the hearts of men
will be seen when they respond to His
call? Acts 2:37-39.
NoTE.—"Christ has made baptism the sign
of entrance to His spiritual kingdom.. . .
Baptism is a most solemn renunciation of the
world. Those who are baptized in the three-
fold name of the Father, the Son, and the
Holy Spirit, at the very entrance of their
Christian life declare publicly that they have
forsaken the service of Satan and have be-
come members of the royal family, children
of the heavenly King. They have obeyed the
command: 'Come out from among them,
and be ye separate, . . . and touch not the
unclean thing.' And to them is fulfilled the
promise: 'I will receive you, and will be a
Father unto you, and ye shall be My sons
and daughters, saith the Lord Almighty.'
2 Corinthians 6:17,
18."—Testimonies,
vol.
6,
p. 91.
"Notwithstanding the spiritual darkness
and alienation from God that exist in the
churches which constitute Babylon, the
great body of Christ's true followers are
still to be found in their communion. There
are many of these Who have never seen the
special truths for this time. Not a few are
dissatisfied with their present condition and
are longing for clearer light. . . . The time
will come when those who love God su-
premely can no longer remain in connection
with such as are 'lovers of pleasures more
than lovers of God; having a form of godli-
ness, but denying the power thereof.'
"—The
Great Controversy,
page 390.
Living in Expectant Preparedness
9. How will the waiting child of
God demonstrate his expectation of
the coming of His Lord? 1 Peter 4:
7-10; 2 Peter 3:14.
NOTE.
—
"The
apostle's [Peter's] words
were written for the instruction of believers
in every age, and they have a special signifi-
cance for those who live at the time when
`the end of all things is at hand.' His ex-
hortations and warnings, and his words of
faith and courage, are needed by every soul
who would maintain his faith 'steadfast unto
the end.'
"—The Acts of the Apostles,
page
518.
"It is now that we must keep ourselves
and our children unspotted from the world.
It is now that we must wash our robes of
character and make them white in the blood
of the Lamb. It is now that we must over-
come pride, passion, and spiritual slothful-
( 42 ]
ness. It is now that we must awake and
make determined effort for symmetry of
character. 'Today if ye will hear His voice,
harden not your hearts.'
"—Testimonies,
vol.
5, pp. 215, 216.
10.
In view of the nearness of the
end, how should our time be utilized?
Eph. 5:15, 16.
NOTE.—"Make the very most of your
time, for these are evil days." Verse 16, Mof-
fatt. Copyright, Harper and Brothers. Used
by permission.
11.
Through what means will we
be kept while awaiting our promised
inheritance? 1 Peter 1:3-5.
12.
What reason for thankfulness
does the child of God have? Col.
1:12, 13.
13.
As we wait in expectancy for
our Lord's return, where should our
spiritual citizenship be now? Phil.
3:20, 21.
NOTE.—In some Bibles the marginal ren-
dering of "conversation" is "citizenship."
"Do we believe with all the heart that
Christ is soon coming and that we are now
having the last message of mercy that is
ever to be given to a guilty world? Is our
example what it should be? . . Those who
believe the important truths that we profess,
should act out their faith. There is too
much seeking after amusements and things
to take the attention in this world; the mind
is left to run too much upon dress, and the
tongue is engaged too often in light and tri-
fling conversation, which gives the lie to our
profession, for our conversation is not in
heaven, whence we look for the Saviour."—
Early Writings,
page 111.
"Citizens of heaven will make the best
citizens of earth. A correct view of our duty
to God leads to clear perceptions of our
duty to our fellow
men."—Messages to
Young People,
page 329.
Questions for Meditation
1.
Is my life a daily manifestation of sober
watchfulness?
2.
What place do worry and anxiety about
the future have in the life of a Christian?
3.
What am I doing to "redeem the
time"?
Lesson 12, for March 25, 1961
The New World Order
MEMORY VERSE:
"Nevertheless we, according to His promise, look for new heavens
and a new earth, wherein dwelleth righteousness." 2 Peter 3:13.
STUDY HELPS:
"The Great Controversy," chapter 42; "Prophets and Kings," pages
729-733; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Commentary," on Scripture refer-
ences; "The Seventh-day Adventist Bible Dictionary;" Lesson Help in "Review
and Herald" of. March 9.
DAILY STUDY ASSIGNMENT AND RECORD
Check Here
Sabbath afternoon: General survey.
❑
Sunday: Questions 1-3; read from
Study Helps.
❑
Monday: Questions 4-9.
❑
Check Here
Tuesday: Questions 10-14.
❑
Wednesday: Read from Study Helps.
❑
Thursday: Read from Study Helps.
❑
Friday: Review entire lesson.
❑
[ 43 ]
Lesson Outline
Introduction
I. The Glorious Tomorrow
1.
God's original purpose for the earth.
Isa. 45:18.
2.
Events connected with the end of
the present order. 1 Thess. 4:16, 17;
1 Cor. 15:51, 52 ; Rev. 20:5, 9; 2 Pe-
ter 3:10-12.
3.
Promises of a new order. 2 Peter
3:13; Matt. 5:5; Prov. 11:31.
H.
A
New Heaven and Earth
4.
Beyond human comprehension.
1 Cor. 2:9.
5.
The earth changed. Isa. 65:17-19;
35:1, 2.
6.
Satisfying labor. Isa. 65:21, 22.
7.
Peaceful, contented living. Isa. 65:
24, 25; 32:18; 33:24; 35:1, 2.
8.
The capital city and the throne of
God. Rev. 21:1-4; 22:1-5.
9.
Worship privileges. Isa. 66:22, 23.
God's Purpose Fulfilled
10.
The "called, and chosen, and faith-
ful." Rev. 17:14, last part.
11.
Joint heirs with Christ. Rom.
8:14, 17.
12.
The secret of the new relationship.
Gal. 3:29; 2:20; Phil. 4:13.
13.
The present responsibility and future
hope. 1 John 3:1-3.
14.
Perfect communion. Rev. 22:4.
THE LESSON
Introduction
"The great plan of redemption results in
fully bringing back the world into God's
favor. All that was lost by sin is restored.
Not only man but the earth is redeemed, to
be the eternal abode of the obedient. For
six thousand years Satan has struggled to
maintain possession of the earth. Now God's
original purpose in its creation is accom-
plished. 'The saints of the Most High shall
take the kingdom, and possess the kingdom
forever, even forever and ever.' Daniel 7:18."
-Patriarchs and Prophets,
page 342.
The Glorious Tomorrow
1. For what purpose did God orig-
inally create the earth? Isa. 45:18.
NoTE.-"God created the earth to be the
abode of holy, happy beings. The Lord
`formed the earth and made it; He hath
established it, He created it not in vain, He
formed it to be inhabited.' Isaiah 45:18.
That purpose will be fulfilled, when, re-
newed by the power of God, and freed from
sin and sorrow, it shall become the eternal
abode of the
redeemed."-Patriarchs and
Prophets,
page 67.
2.
What series of events will bring
to an end the present world order?
1 Thess. 4:16, 17; 1 Cor. 15:51, 52;
Rev. 20:5, 9; 2 Peter 3:10-12.
3.
What definite promises have been
made concerning a new, righteous
world order? 2 Peter 3:13; Matt. 5:5;
Prov. 11:31. Compare Isa. 65:17.
A New Heaven and Earth
4.
Why is it impossible adequately
to describe the new heaven and earth?
1 Cor. 2:9.
NorE.-"Even in this life we may catch
glimpses of His presence and may taste the
joy of communion with heaven, but the full-
ness of its joy and blessing will be reached
in the hereafter. Eternity alone can reveal
the glorious destiny to which man, restored
to God's image, may
attain."-Patriarchs
and Prophets,
page 602.
5.
What word picture did Isaiah
paint of the new earth? Isa. 65:17-19;
35:1, 2.
[44
7
NO EMPLOYMF T FOR
•
UNDERTA
PHYSINAHS
„_,,--::
041.16GI5T5
PREACHERS
POLICEMEN
LAWYERS
NOTE.—"In
the Bible the inheritance of
the saved is called 'a country.' Hebrews
11:14-16. There the heavenly Shepherd
leads His flock to fountains of living waters.
The tree of life yields its fruit every month,
and the leaves of the tree are for the service
of the nations. There are ever-flowing
streams, clear as crystal, and beside them
waving trees cast their shadows upon the
paths prepared for the ransomed of the
Lord. There the wide-spreading plains swell
into hills of beauty, and the mountains of
God rear their lofty summits. On those
peaceful plains, beside those living streams,
God's people, so long pilgrims and wander-
ers, shall find a home."—The
Great Contro-
versy,
page 675.
6.
In what lines of activity will the
redeemed engage? Isa. 65:21, 22.
NoTE.—"In the earth made new, the re-
deemed will engage in the occupations and
pleasures that brought happiness to Adam
and Eve in the beginning. The Eden life will
be lived, the life in garden and field. 'They
shall build houses, and inhabit them; and
they shall plant vineyards, and eat the fruit
of them. They shall not build, and another
inhabit; they shall not plant, and another
eat: for as the days of a tree are the days of
My people, and Mine elect shall long enjoy
the work of their hands.' Isaiah 65:21, 22."
—Prophets and Kings,
pages. 730, 731.
7.
How are the living conditions
in the new earth described? Isa. 65:24,
25; 32:18; 33:24; 35:1, 2.
NOTE.—"Pain
cannot exist in the atmos-
phere of heaven. There will be no more
tears, no funeral trains, no badges of mourn-
ing."—The Great Controversy,
page 676.
8.
Where will God's dwelling place
be, and how is it portrayed by John
the revelator? Rev. 21:1-4; 22:1-5.
NoTE.—"None will need or desire repose.
There will be no weariness in doing the will
of God and offering praise to His name. We
THE NEW EARTH WILL HAVE
NO SIN, SICKNESS, DEATH,OR SORROW.
shall ever feel the freshness of the morning
and shall ever be far from its close.. ...The
light of the sun will be superseded by a
radiance which is not painfully dazzling, yet
which immeasurably surpasses the bright,
ness of our noontide. The glory of God and
the Lamb floods the Holy City with unfad-
ing light. The redeemed walk in the sunless
glory of perpetual
day."—The Great Con-
troversy,
page 676.
9.
How often will the redeemed
worship before the Lord? Isa. 66:
22, 23.
God's Purpose Fulfilled
10.
What terms are used to desig-
nate those who will be with Christ in
heaven? Rev. 17:14, last part.
11.
Through what relationship do
we inherit the promises made to God's
chosen ones? Rom. 8:14, 17.
12.
By what means and through
whom do we become heirs to heaven?
Gal. 3:29; 2:20; Phil. 4:13.
[ 45 I
13.
What assuring promises are
made to those who seek this promised
sonship? 1 John 3:1-3.
NOTE.—"To everyone who offers himself
to the Lord for service, withholding nothing,
is given power for the attainment of meas-
ureless results. For these God will do great
things. He will work upon the minds of
men so that, even in this world, there shall
be seen in their lives a fulfillment of the
promise of the future state."—The
Ministry
of Healing,
page 160.
14.
What will bring supreme satis-
faction to the saved? Rev. 22:4.
homes, exquisite scenery, would indeed af-
ford little lasting satisfaction without this
priceless privilege.
" 'Oh, heaven without my Saviour
Would be no heaven to me:
Dim were the walls of jasper,
Rayless the crystal sea.'
"But He
will
be there, for 'they shall see
His face.' .. . Beloved of all His people, He
will 'lead them unto living fountains of wa-
ters,' studying with them the mysteries of
the universe and helping them to perceive
ever more clearly the length and breadth
and height and depth of the wisdom and
love of God."—A. S. Maxwell, Your
Bible
and
You, pages 472, 473.
Questions for Meditation
NoTE.—There will be perfect communion
between God and man, unbroken through
eternal ages. "Transcending every other joy
of the redeemed will be the continual pres-
ence of Jesus. And nothing in all the glory
land will afford such enduring happiness as
this. Golden streets, pearly gates, beautiful
1.
In my present spiritual state, would I
fit in as a citizen of the new world order?
2.
In view of the inheritance that awaits
me, how should I regard the trials of this
life?
3.
Am I letting the blessed hope of His
soon coming purify my heart and life?
[ 46 J
THIRTEENTH SABBATH OFFERING
March 25, 1961'
The overflow this quarter goes to the Middle East Division. This is
a field that is always of-interest to Bible students, for it is the setting for
most of the Bible stories. There are twelve countries and more than
half a dozen territories in this division. One hundred million inhabit-
ants are divided into eight large groups, with the majority speaking
Arabic. Islam is the religion of the masses. It is a vast mission field
indeed.
The special projects to benefit from the overflow this quarter are:
1.
Construction of a church and school in Jerusalem.
2.
Rebuilding of the Mercy Orphanage Home in Cairo, Egypt.
3.
A new industry for Middle East College.
These are all worthy projects, and as you listen to the mission stories
from Sabbath to Sabbath, we believe that you will earnestly plan to do
all you can to help strengthen and advance the work of God in the old
Bible lands by a liberal offering on March 25.
LESSONS FOR THE SECOND QUARTER OF 1961
Sabbath school members who have failed to receive a senior
Lesson Quarterly
for
second quarter of 1961 will be helped by the following outline in studying the first
lesson. The subject of the quarter's lessons is "Righteousness by Faith in Christ." The
title of the first lesson is "Righteousness." The Memory Verse is Jeremiah 23:6. The
texts to be studied are:
Ques. 1. Ps. 119:142.
Ques. 2. Ps. 145:17
;
9:8.
Ques. 3. Heb. 1:8, 9.
Ques. 4. Mal. 4:2 ; Jer. 33:15, 16.
Ques. 5. Isa. 64:6.
Ques. 6. Rom. 3:10; Jer. 13:23.
Ques. 7. Jer. 23:6.
Ques. 8. Rom. 5:17.
Ques. 9. 1 Cor. 1:30; 2 Cor. 5:21.
Ques. 10. Dan. 4:27; Prov. 12:28; 10:2.
Ques. 11. Rom. 5:21; Ps. 15:1-5.
Ques. 12. Acts 10:35.
Ques. 13. Isa. 32:17.
Ques. 14. Matt. 5:6.
[ 47 1
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Union
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EAST MEDITERRANEAN UNION
43,615,137
NILE UNION
45,450,536
IRAN SECTION
19,300,000
Division Totals
